Two killed in Bengal blast, incident under EC scanner

Two people died after some explosives kept inside a room went off Monday in West Bengal's Birbhum district, police said. The incident has come under the Election Commission's scanner.

The incident happened in Kushumgaria village, in Labhpur, of the district.

"Two people were killed when some explosives kept inside their house exploded. Prima facie it appears they were trying to make bombs," said Superintendent of Police R.M. Khan, but refused to comment on the political allegiance of the victims.

According to state chief electoral officer Sunil Gupta, further investigation is on.

"The house belongs to Sheikh Ismail. One person has been identified as Bor Jahan while the identity of the other remains to be established," he said.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India-Marxist candidate for the Bolpur Lok Sabha constituency Ram Chandra Dome alleged that Ismail was a Trinamool Congress activist and a close associate of Labhpur legislator Monirul Islam.

"This incident makes us concerned about the state of affairs. An atmosphere of terror prevails in Birbhum.There is an immediate need to deploy the central paramilitary troopers in the district," said Dome.

Meanwhile, the Congress during the day approached the Commission alleging Trinamool Congress leaders had a secret meeting with the district magistrate (DM) of South Dinajpur Sunday night which violates the model code of conduct.

However, Gupta denied this had happened.

"I have personally spoken to the DM and he has assured me no such meeting took place," Gupta told reporters here.

Regarding the showcause notice issued to Trinamool Congress legislator Islam Sunday by the district magistrate, after he asked party workers in Bengal's Birbhum to prevent people from voting for other parties, Gupta said the reply is with the DM.

"He has submitted the report to the DM of Birbhum. We have not received it yet," he said.