BJP calls for 12-hour bandh in Basirhat, West Bengal over death of 3 party workers  

A day after massive clashes between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) workers in Sandeshkhali in Basirhat located in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, claiming as many as three lives, a daylong drama prevailed in the area.

On Sunday, a five-member BJP delegation led by Bengal BJP President and MP from Midnapore constituency Dilip Ghosh met the family members of the two deceased BJP workers while a delegation comprising TMC leaders met the family members of the deceased party worker.  

In view of tension prevailing in the area, the district administration shut down internet services for an indefinite period in Basirhat.

Police carried out massive searches for the missing party workers who remained untraceable. Police also deployed reserve force besides deploying armed personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF) to maintain the law and order in the area.

However, the situation turned volatile when the BJP delegation leading the hearse carrying the two deceased BJP workers were stopped by the police from taking the dead bodies to Kolkata.

According to sources in the district police, they had prevented the delegation from taking the dead bodies in anticipation that the party might take out a procession despite assurances from the BJP that they will not do so.

The party had planned last rites of the two BJP workers in Kolkata after allowing the party workers to pay their last respects at the party headquarters.

Eventually, the party had to drop that idea and returned to their village in Sandeshkhali.

The Central government has taken cognisance of the situation and sought a report from the state government.

The Governor expressed his concern over the prevailing situation in the state. “Governor Tripathi is very sad at the unfortunate loss of lives and properties of the citizens. He extends his heartfelt sympathy for the families and near and dear ones of the deceased. He appeals to all concerned to see to it that no violent incidents take place and peace and harmony prevail in the state,” read a release from Governor’s House.

Meanwhile, the BJP has called a 12-hour bandh tomorrow in Basirhat and said the party will be observing a black day.