Kolkata witnessed a fresh wave of violence in West Bengal after election results were declared, despite the polling period remaining largely peaceful this time, according to reports.
The unrest reportedly intensified after Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee lost in her own constituency. Incidents included the shooting death of the secretary to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, arson attacks on Trinamool Congress offices in some areas, and assaults on BJP workers.
The violence is being linked to claims that the Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee were unwilling to accept the defeat. Mamata Banerjee has also reportedly insisted she would not resign from the chief minister’s post.
Meanwhile, a report by central intelligence agencies has reportedly been submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. It alleges that Trinamool Congress workers carried out attacks after wearing saffron clothing and applying tilak marks, in an attempt to portray BJP supporters as responsible for the violence.
Police have so far registered around 200 complaints and arrested more than 400 people. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the killing of the chief minister’s secretary, while BJP leaders say the new chief minister’s first task is to restore law and order and ease public fear.
