Violent clash between TMC-BJP leaves 10 injured in Malda over alleged embezzlement

Tensions flared between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Malda's Baluadanga Harishpur, Kajigram Gram Panchayat, following allegations of embezzlement of Rs 5 lakh 31 thousand from a state government grant given to a local club.

The clash escalated with BJP workers reportedly attacking TMC members with bricks, rods, sticks, and firearms. There were also reports of two rounds being fired at close range. Approximately ten TMC workers sustained injuries in the violence.

The confrontation, captured in a viral video, shows both groups engaged in a violent exchange, with sticks and bricks being used as weapons. A formal complaint has been lodged at the English Bazar police station by the injured TMC workers against twelve BJP members.

According to the victims and residents, the violence stems from resentment towards TMC supporters, who had voted for the party in the Lok Sabha elections, though BJP emerged victorious in the area. The allegations include claims that BJP members appropriated the Rs 5 lakh 31 thousand meant for the club, which led to the violence. BJP workers reportedly retaliated by attacking the TMC supporters in their village.