‘Pulled out pistol and fired’: ISF worker battles for life after Mandirbazar attack

Fresh political violence has erupted in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district after an ISF worker was allegedly shot during a clash in Mandirbazar on Tuesday evening, triggering panic and heavy police deployment in the area.

The incident took place at Dhanyaghata under the Nishapur panchayat area of Mandirbazar police station limits.

The injured ISF worker, Hasibul Hossain Haldar, is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition at Diamond Harbour Medical College and Hospital.

Two others were also injured in the violence. Sanaulla Molla allegedly suffered a severe head injury after being assaulted, while Ujir Haldar was reportedly injured in a bomb attack during the chaos.

According to local sources, Hasibul had been involved in a long-running political rivalry with the accused. Trouble reportedly began on Tuesday evening when Hasibul was sitting in a field with several others.

The accused allegedly arrived there and picked up an argument, which soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the clash, one of the accused, identified as Samiulla Sardar, allegedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire. The bullet struck Hasibul in his hand, leaving him bleeding on the spot.

Locals rushed him to Naiyarat Rural Hospital before he was shifted to Diamond Harbour Medical College Hospital after his condition deteriorated.

Police swung into action after the victim’s family lodged a complaint. Two accused, Samiulla Sardar and Ashfakulla Sardar, were arrested shortly after the incident.

Police also recovered a firearm during the investigation. Bishwachand Thakur said the attack stemmed from an “old dispute” and confirmed that an investigation was underway.

However, the incident quickly snowballed into a political slugfest. ISF leader Moidul Islam Midde accused the Trinamool Congress of orchestrating the attack and attempting to “spread tension” in the area despite the elections being over.

Rejecting the allegations, Trinamool candidate Joydeb Haldar claimed his party workers were themselves under attack and denied any involvement in the firing.

A massive police force has since been deployed in the area to prevent further violence.