The blast was so intense that the vehicle was completely wrecked, while the asbestos roof of the garage where it was parked collapsed. No injuries were reported, as no one was present at the site at the time of the incident.
Political tensions rise in Bengal
Kolkata: Political tensions are once again rising in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with fresh incidents of violence being reported.
Early Saturday morning, a powerful explosion destroyed the car of a Trinamool Congress leader in the Kulpi area of South 24 Parganas district, triggering panic in the locality.
The blast was so intense that the vehicle was completely wrecked, while the asbestos roof of the garage where it was parked collapsed. No injuries were reported, as no one was present at the site at the time of the incident.
Explosion Sparks Fear in the Village
The incident took place around 1 am in Chamnabuni village, outside the residence of Trinamool booth president Kutubuddin Paik.
Residents said they were jolted awake by a loud explosion, and scenes of destruction greeted those who rushed outside.
Kutubuddin Paik has accused the Indian Secular Front (ISF), led by MLA Naushad Siddiqui, of orchestrating the attack.
He claimed this was not the first time his home had been targeted and alleged that opposition forces were attempting to create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the elections.
ISF Denies Allegations, Raises Counter-Claims
The ISF has strongly denied the accusations and, in turn, questioned the Trinamool Congress’s version of events.
Local ISF leaders alleged that explosives were being stored inside the car and accidentally detonated. They claimed the allegations were an attempt to deflect attention and shift blame.
Police Probe On, Area on Edge
Police have sealed off the area and seized the damaged vehicle for forensic examination. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion and said conclusions would be drawn after the investigation is complete.
Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in the area, with forces conducting flag marches to prevent further unrest and maintain law and order.
