Kolkata: A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan was injured in a shooting incident outside the residence of BJP candidate Pawan Singh in Bhatpara, located in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The development has prompted the Election Commission to seek a detailed report, officials confirmed on Monday.

The firing took place late on Sunday night, just days before the second phase of polling scheduled for April 29. Authorities are examining the sequence of events that led to the violence.

Security personnel injured

The injured jawan has been identified as Yogesh Sharma, who was deployed as part of the security team assigned to Pawan Singh, the son of senior BJP leader Arjun Singh. According to officials, Sharma suffered a bullet injury to his leg and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Election Commission seeks report

Following the incident, the Election Commission has requested a report. Police officials stated that it remains unclear who fired the shot, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances.

Tension escalates in Jagaddal

Police said unrest had already been brewing earlier on Sunday evening in the Jagaddal area. The tension reportedly began after a Trinamool Congress worker was allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals while putting up party flags and banners.

Several leaders from the Trinamool Congress later arrived at the local police station to file a complaint regarding the incident.

Clashes outside police station

An officer said that supporters from both sides soon gathered at the police station, leading to a heated verbal confrontation that escalated into a physical clash. Stone-pelting was also reported outside the premises before authorities managed to bring the situation under control.

Fresh violence near residence

Later in the night, tension resurfaced near Pawan Singh’s residence. Eyewitnesses reported that crude bombs were thrown and at least one round of firing took place in the area.

A local Trinamool Congress leader alleged that their party worker had been attacked and that even their attempt to lodge a complaint at the police station resulted in further violence. The leader claimed that they had believed the police station to be a safe space, but that belief had been shaken.

Political blame game

The BJP rejected these allegations and instead claimed that its supporters had been targeted. Party representatives further alleged that the CISF jawan was injured due to firing by miscreants linked to the Trinamool Congress.

In response, the Trinamool Congress denied the accusations and asserted that the BJP was responsible for the unrest.

Heavy deployment, probe underway

A significant police presence has been stationed in the area to maintain order, while authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

Agency inputs