Bomb blast during Birbhum gang clash kills 2, injures several; Counterfeit racket under probe

Two people were killed and several others reportedly injured in a bomb blast that occurred late Friday night in Hatia village under Labhpur block of West Bengal’s Birbhum district. The incident took place following violent clashes between two rival groups that had been engaged in a prolonged dispute over territorial dominance. Police confirmed the deaths on Saturday and said investigations are ongoing.

According to police sources, tensions escalated on Friday when Sheikh Mainuddin and his associate Sheikh Mustafi attempted to re-enter Hatia village. The two had earlier left the village under pressure from a rival group. Their return led to confrontation with the faction led by Sheikh Munir, which currently holds control in the area. Clashes between the two groups reportedly continued throughout the day and into the night.

Local residents reported that Mainuddin and Mustafi returned armed with weapons and crude bombs. During the confrontation, a large quantity of crude bombs stored in the village exploded, resulting in the death of two individuals at the scene. Several others sustained injuries, though the police have not officially confirmed the number or extent of injuries. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed as of Saturday evening.

Birbhum Superintendent of Police, Amandeep, confirmed the casualties. “Two people have died. The matter is under investigation,” he said. Local sources claim the deceased were linked to a political party, but police have not verified any such affiliation. Security forces have been deployed in the area, and the situation remains tense.

Authorities have also begun probing a possible connection between the groups and the illegal manufacturing of counterfeit currency. Initial inputs suggest that both factions may have been involved in producing fake notes intended for sale to collectors. The police are exploring this angle as part of the broader investigation.