Kolkata, 5 May (H.S.): Tension gripped the Madupur area of Berhampore in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district late Sunday night following a violent incident involving a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) youth leader. According to police sources, unidentified assailants allegedly attacked businessman and former TMC youth president Mithu Jain and his friends, followed by multiple rounds of aerial firing.

The incident occurred when Jain was reportedly sitting at a local club near his residence. Eyewitnesses claimed that several men arrived on motorcycles and opened fire in the air before brutally assaulting Jain. One of his friends, who tried to intervene, also sustained injuries. Local residents rushed to the spot, prompting the attackers to flee. Jain suffered serious head injuries and required multiple stitches.

While no arrests have been made yet, police from the Berhampore station have launched an investigation and are probing possible motives behind the attack. Sources suggest that the attackers were local youths, though the reason behind the assault remains unclear.

The incident has triggered political uproar, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the TMC of internal factionalism. The ruling party, however, has refuted the claims.

Papai Ghosh, current president of the Berhampore Town TMC Youth Wing, responded to the allegations, stating, “Mithu Jain was formerly associated with the TMC but now works for the BJP. On Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Berhampore, and our workers were out meeting local residents in preparation. Jain was at the club and instigated a dispute himself. It was the local people who reacted — no TMC worker assaulted him.”

The situation remains tense in the area, and police presence has been increased to prevent any further unrest.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh