TMC factional clash in South 24 Parganas leaves around 20 injured, police deploy force

A violent clash broke out between two factions of the Trinamool Congress on Thursday evening at Dhuri Bazaar in the Amjhara Gram Panchayat area under Basanti Police Station in South 24 Parganas district. The incident left around 20 people injured, following intense stone-pelting between the rival groups.

According to police, the violence was the result of a long-standing rivalry between two local leaders, Azad Koyal and Murshid Sheikh. Sources said tensions had been simmering in the area for a considerable period, eventually erupting into open violence on Thursday evening. It was alleged that Azad Koyal and his supporters launched an attack on Murshid Sheikh and his followers. However, Azad claimed that his group was targeted first and that they acted in self-defence. Dhuri Bazaar soon turned into a battleground as both sides hurled bricks and stones at each other.

Police from Basanti Police Station rushed to the spot after receiving information, but the clashes continued even in their presence, complicating efforts to restore order. To prevent further escalation, a large police force has been deployed in the area, and a police picket has been set up in the village as a precautionary measure.