BJP delegation visits Bhatpara, claims police firing killed 2

A three-member BJP delegation visited the trouble-torn Bhatpara area in West Bengal on Saturday and alleged that it was due to police firing that two persons lost their lives during clashes earlier in the week.

Led by former Union minister and Bardhaman-Durgapur MP S S Ahluwalia, other members of the delegation were newly-elected MPs and former police officers Satyapal Singh and B D Ram. Leaders of the state also accompanied them.

"We spoke to the family members and locals. We got portions of spent self loading rifle (SLR) bullets used by the police on Thursday to shoot the BJP workers," Alhuwalia said.

Two people were killed and 11 others injured in the town in North 24 Parganas district on Thursday after clashes broke out between two groups believed to be affiliated to the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"The police is saying they fired in the air. If they had done that, how can it hit humans?" he asked. "We will submit our detailed report to party president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He is concerned with the ongoing violence in the area," he said.

The police and the ruling Trinamool Congress called the observation baseless. TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said the BJP delegation's visit was aimed at increasing tension in the area.

"What is the purpose of their visit? he asked. "Section 144 has been in force in the area, but the BJP is visiting there. The police should have taken action against them for violating Section 144."