Tension in Halisahar after youth shot in abdomen days before Bengal polls, condition critical

A shooting incident in Halisahar has triggered tension just two days before the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, with a 29-year-old youth critically injured after being shot in the abdomen. The incident took place on Sunday evening in Ward No. 8, raising fresh concerns over law and order ahead of polling scheduled for April 29.

The injured has been identified as Prosenjit Maulik, who was reportedly shot by three unidentified miscreants near his locality. He was immediately rushed to JNM Hospital in Kalyani, where he remains in critical condition. Police and central forces reached the spot soon after the incident and began an investigation, with CCTV footage from the area being examined to identify the attackers and establish the motive behind the shooting.

Family members stated that while Prosenjit was not formally involved in politics, he was known to be a supporter of the Trinamool Congress. According to his brother, the incident occurred suddenly, and the attackers fled the scene after opening fire. A search operation has been launched to trace the accused, and security has been tightened in the area following the incident.

The firing has intensified anxiety among residents, with additional police deployment aimed at preventing further unrest. The incident has once again brought the spotlight on security arrangements in the run-up to polling, as authorities continue efforts to maintain peace during the electoral process.