Kolkata, Jan 22 (NationPress) On Thursday, BJP activists staged a protest in response to what they claim was an attack on a party leader's residence in the Onda region of Bankura district, accusing Trinamool miscreants of igniting the fire. The ruling party, however, refuted these allegations and suggested that infighting within the BJP resulted in the incident.

The conflict escalated after the house of a BJP leader in Onda, Bankura, was reportedly targeted and set ablaze, with petrol allegedly poured on it.

The BJP accused Trinamool Congress members of attempting to burn the leader and his family alive, but they were rescued by vigilant villagers.

In response, the Trinamool Congress denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the incident stemmed from internal disputes within the BJP.

As per local accounts, Tapas Barik, a member of the BJP's social media cell, returned to his home in Nandanpur village under Onda police station around 9 pm on Wednesday after attending a local party event. After dining, he went to bed.

Tapas claimed he awoke to a commotion in the night, only to discover that someone had doused his thatched roof with petrol and set it aflame. Alarmingly, the assailants had also locked the door from the outside.

Upon noticing the fire, villagers rushed to the scene, broke down the door, and saved Tapas and his family. He reported that not only was his residence attacked, but his shop was also vandalized.

Upon hearing about the incident, the BJP MLA from Onda, Amarnath Shakha, visited the site on Thursday morning.

BJP members initiated a protest outside the Nakaijuri police outpost from morning, demanding prompt arrests and stringent punishment for those responsible.

Tapas asserted that the attack on his home and shop was orchestrated by the Trinamool Congress.

He stated, "Trinamool-backed miscreants assaulted me for the 'crime' of being affiliated with the BJP. They set my house on fire and vandalized my shop. They attempted to burn my family and me alive. I call for a thorough investigation and justice for this incident."

The BJP MLA from Onda contended, "This attack was premeditated by the Trinamool Congress. If the perpetrators are not apprehended swiftly, we will escalate our movements."

However, the Trinamool Congress denied any connection to the event, attributing it to BJP's internal conflicts.

Abhirup Khan, the president of the Onda Panchayat Samiti and a Trinamool leader, remarked, "The Trinamool Congress has no part in this incident. This may have arisen due to disputes within the BJP. The truth will emerge once the police investigate the matter."

Bankura Superintendent of Police, Soumyadeep Bhattacharya, stated that should a complaint be lodged, the police will scrutinize all facets and take appropriate action.