Shootout at BJP supporter's house: 3-yr-old falls victim to political fallout at Malda

Kolkata: In a tragic incident at Manickchowk in Malda, some miscreants, allegedly backed by BJP leaders, fired a few gunshots as a result of which a three-year old child of one of the party's supporters was accidentally shot in the head on Thursday morning.

The child was taken to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where he was admitted in a serious condition. A large police contingent led by the Additional Superintendent of Police went to the site and brought the situation under control. A massive hunt is on for the criminals.

It has been learnt that the incident that took place on Thursday was the result of an event which took place on August 28, over selection of the Pradhan of Manickchowk Gram Panchayat. BJP had secured absolute majority but when counting began, it was seen that Putul Mondol, a party supporter, had voted for Trinamool Congress.

On Thursday morning some criminals, reportedly owing allegiance to BJP, raided the house of Mondol. They beat up Abhijit, Putul's husband and then fired at the couple. The child, who was sleeping at the moment, got shot during the shootout. The criminals escaped the spot, leaving the child on the courtyard in a pool of blood.

Local people rushed him to Malda Medical College and Hospital. His condition is stated to be critical.

Subrata Mukherjee, state minister for Panchayats and Rural development, said BJP is trying to create trouble everywhere. Following the instruction of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Panchayat boards have been set up peacefully in most of the areas.

"BJP is deliberately trying to create trouble with the sole intention of stalling development in rural Bengal," he said, condemning the incident.

It may be recalled that Partha Chatterjee, secretary general of the party, had earlier alleged that BJP was bringing arms and ammunition from neighbouring states to create trouble. "The BJP believes in the politics of bloodshed," he added.

BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said Trinamool Congress had promised money to Putul, provided she casts her vote against BJP. On Thursday, Putul had gone to take money from Trinamool Congress, which the party's leaders had allegedly promised. "Their son got injured after Trinamool backed goons opened fire," he alleged.