Bomb Blasts In Howrah's Shibpur As Post Poll Violence Returns To West Bengal

Howrah: Post poll violence has raised its ugly head once again in West Bengal as multiple crude bombs exploded in Howrah's Shibpur slum on Thursday, day after Chief Minister-probable Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant was murdered by armed assailants as he was returning home from Kolkata in North 24 Parganas district.

Shibpur erupted into chaos as several residents reported injuries. As tensions gripped the area, police rushed to the spot, along with Rapid Action Force personnel.

Some local reports have suggested that TMC councillor's husband Shamim Ahmed may be behind the attacks. Allegations have been levelled that Ahmed's goons may have hurled bombs at the BJP minority cell President's residence in Chora Bustee, Shibpur. Shamim Ahmed was arrested by the NIA during the Ram Navami violence.

As per local residents, nearly seven crude bombs were used and at least two rounds of gunshots were fired. Reports also suggested that some miscreants allegedly attempted to vandalise nearby shops. 

The incident took place days after the Trinamool Congress suffered a major electoral setback in West Bengal. The BJP accused the TMC of orchestrating the attacks. Police teams are investigating the claims while maintaining tight vigil in the area, as per officials.

Several incidents of violence were reported across West Bengal after the Assembly election results were out on May 4. The BJP has claimed that the TMC has brought about "mafia culture" and "maha jungle raj" in West Bengal. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla even claimed that violence has been "institutionalised" in West Bengal over the last 15 years.

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