Malda: Twelve people, including six women, were arrested after an clash between two groups in Malda that left five BJP workers injured. Those arrested include TMC panchayat member Ripon Burman and his family members.The clash followed a long-running rivalry linked to the panchayat election in Naldubi under Mangalbari panchayat, where BJP candidate Milan Ghosh was defeated by Burman. On Monday night, Ghosh was allegedly attacked and stabbed with sharp weapons by Burman’s supporters in Mangalbari. When Ghosh’s family members allegedly went to Burman’s house, they were also attacked. Villagers later gathered outside Burman’s residence and ransacked part of the house before police intervened.Police arrested 12 people, including Burman, on Tuesday morning.Local BJP neta Shibu Ghosh alleged, “Since the last panchayat elections, Burman has unleashed terror in the area. Last night, his men severely injured five of our workers, including Milan.”Burman denied the allegations, claiming, “Those who attacked my house were TMC-turned-BJP men. I am being framed with false charges.”
