Kolkata: An SUV belonging to BJP’s Bongaon North MLA Ashok Kirtania was vandalised on Tuesday evening at North 24 Parganas’ Gopalnagar, with the MLA alleging that TMC workers were behind the attack. Family members of Kirtania and those of Bongaon South BJP MLA Swapan Majumdar were in the vehicle at the time.Kirtania’s wife, who escaped during the incident, lodged an FIR at Gopalnagar police station, alleging that the attackers had also attempted to set it on fire.
Police said an investigation was initiated, though no arrests have been made so far.According to sources, the incident occurred around 6.30pm when the occupants were on their way to attend a ‘Harinam Sankirtan’ (religious programme) at Beledanga. The vehicle was allegedly stopped on the road and attacked with iron rods and bamboo sticks.Kirtania alleged that “TMC-backed goons” lay in wait for the vehicle. “They stopped the SUV and attacked it. The passengers, including my wife, were traumatised. The attackers also tried to set the vehicle on fire, but locals rushed to the spot, forcing them to flee,” he said.The MLA warned that if those responsible were not arrested within 24 hours, he would bring Bongaon town to a standstill.TMC’s Bongaon district organisational president Biswajit Das said no party workers were linked to the incident. “From what I learnt, a group of local people were agitating over the death of an elderly man who died by suicide only a few days ago owing to anxiety linked to SIR. The incident was not politically motivated,” he said.Police said they were verifying all versions and examining CCTV footage from the area.
