BJP worker and family attacked in Sonarpur

A BJP worker, his wife and son were allegedly attacked in Sonarpur early Saturday morning. They were allegedly attacked with sharp weapons. All three were initially taken to MR Bangur Hospital but later shifted to SSKM Hospital.

Their condition is said to be serious and they are being treated. The BJP claims that the incident was committed by criminals close to the Trinamul Congress. However, local Trinamul leaders have denied these allegations. The main accused, Archana Bhattacharya, was arrested by the police on Saturday morning and the weapon used in the attack was also recovered. The incident took place in Sonarpur’s Chowhati area, where BJP worker Govinda Adhikari lives.

According to local sources, Govinda was a poll worker for the BJP in the recent LS election. The assailants allegedly attacked his house after 3 am on Saturday. Govinda, his wife Namita Adhikari and their son Gaurav were attacked with a sharp weapon.

Govinda’s daughter was also at home but was unhurt. Local sources said Namita and Gaurav were seriously injured. Police have started investigating the incident and have arrested neighbours Subhash Debnath and his son Sumit Debnath.

Police initially suspect a family dispute. It is believed that a few days ago there was a quarrel between the two families over the killing of a dog, which added to the bitterness. Saturday’s attack is said to be linked to this dispute. The main accused, Archana, is known as an animal lover in the area. Police initially suspect that the attack was in retaliation for the injury inflicted on the dog. Local BJP politician Debnath Chakraborty said, “A week before the elections, there was a dispute between the two houses over a dog, which even reached the police station. Govinda was our party’s election in-charge during the election and the BJP was ahead in our ward. Those who attacked Govinda belong to Trinamul. During the dispute, they threatened and said, ‘We are from Trinamul, we will take care of you.’ Some outsiders also came and made threats.”

Refuting the allegation, local Trinamul councillor Rajib Purohit said, “There was a dispute over the killing of a dog and Govinda Adhikari had filed a complaint against Subhash Debnath. Sonarpur police were investigating the case. Early on Saturday morning, I received a call that Govinda and his family were attacked by a helicopter. But this has nothing to do with Trinamul. Our district is peaceful and there has never been any political unrest here. We are all working together. This is a dispute between two families. The person arrested by the police and the main accused are not politically active.”