Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 4, 2024, North 24 Parganas: The Jagaddal area has erupted into chaos once again as former BJP MP Arjun Singh reported an attack on his home, just ahead of the Puja festivities. Singh claims that his residence was targeted with gunfire and explosives, resulting in injuries to himself.
According to Singh, a group of armed assailants arrived on multiple motorcycles early Friday morning and launched a barrage of bombs and gunfire in front of his house. “I was inside when I heard the blasts. I stepped out to assess the situation and was hit by a splinter from a bomb on my leg,” Singh stated. Eyewitnesses reported a scene of panic as the area became a battlefield, with police forces swiftly arriving to contain the situation.
Singh alleged that the attack occurred in plain sight of law enforcement officers present at the scene. “Bricks and bombs were thrown at my security guards and workers, and shots were fired. It was pure mayhem,” he added, highlighting the danger faced not only by himself but also by those around him, including a local MLA who was reportedly present during the incident.
The attack has heightened tensions in the Meghna Mor area of Jagaddal, leading to widespread concerns among local residents. This isn’t the first time Singh has faced violence; his home, known as Mazdoor Bhavan, was attacked in 2021, prompting an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Singh alleges that these attacks are politically motivated, stemming from his role as a party observer during the Bhavanipur by-election, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the Trinamool Congress candidate.
Interestingly, Singh had switched allegiance to the Trinamool Congress shortly after the 2021 incident but returned to the BJP following his exclusion from the Lok Sabha ticket this election cycle. His political journey has been tumultuous, reflecting the intense rivalries and volatility in West Bengal’s political landscape.
As the situation unfolds, Singh remains at home, recuperating from his injuries, while authorities work to ensure the safety of the area. The incident raises pressing questions about political violence in the region and the safety of public figures amidst escalating tensions as the festive season approaches.