Clashes between TMC and BJP supporters escalate ahead of PM Modi’s rally; crude bombs hurled at BJP MLA’s residence
Police in West Bengal on Monday arrested four workers linked to the ruling All India Trinamool Congress following violent clashes outside a police station in Jagaddal, located in North 24 Parganas district.
The arrests came after early morning raids at the homes of 15 individuals accused of involvement in the violence. Those detained have been identified as Koushik Das (27), Sikander Prasad (39), Gopal Routh, and Shyamdev Shaw (55). According to sources, one of the accused was found hiding under a cot, while several others fled during the police action.
The violence erupted on Sunday night between supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to address a high-profile rally in nearby Barrackpore ahead of the second and final phase of polling.
Security has since been tightened in both Jagaddal and Barrackpore, with additional forces deployed to prevent further escalation.
According to reports, the clashes were triggered after flags and posters related to the Prime Minister’s visit were allegedly torn down. BJP workers accused Trinamool supporters of vandalising campaign materials, further inflaming tensions.
#WATCH | North 24 Parganas, West Bengal | A clash broke out between TMC and BJP workers in front of Jagaddal Police Station in Bhatpara. Stones were pelted during the incident. Heavy security was deployed outside the station. pic.twitter.com/9uJ5mSpIQJ
— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2026
The situation escalated rapidly as supporters from both parties gathered outside the Jagaddal Police Station, leading to heated confrontations, stone-pelting, and physical clashes. Local police initially struggled to bring the situation under control.
In a major escalation, crude bombs were reportedly hurled at the residence of BJP MLA Pawan Singh, who is contesting from the Bhatpara Assembly seat. The attack left three people injured and caused property damage.
Police have registered cases related to both the clashes and the bombing incident. However, tensions remain high, with both political parties accusing each other of orchestrating violence for electoral gains.
In a parallel development, the National Investigation Agency has registered a separate case to investigate the recovery of 79 crude bombs from the residence of another alleged Trinamool worker in South 24 Parganas.
Earlier, the Election Commission of India directed state police to launch a special drive against the illegal manufacture of crude bombs. The directive followed multiple recoveries of explosives in the lead-up to the elections.
West Bengal is currently voting in a two-phase Assembly election widely seen as a high-stakes contest between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. The first phase was held on April 23, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4.
North 24 Parganas has emerged as a key battleground, witnessing intensive campaigning by senior BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and party president Nitin Nabin.
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