Kolkata, Oct 20 (NationPress) – A former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councilor narrowly avoided a murder attempt on Monday morning, coinciding with the Kali Puja festivities. Miscreants opened fire at Nirmal Dutta, TMC’s Bidhannagar trade union leader and ex-councilor, in the Duttabad area of Salt Lake.

The bullet missed its mark, however, the assailant struck Dutta on the head with the butt of the gun, causing significant injuries. Dutta, who was bleeding heavily, was transported to a nearby hospital and subsequently discharged after receiving initial treatment.

The police have commenced an investigation into the incident. Nirmal Dutta previously served as the TMC councilor for ward number 38 of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation.

As per police reports, he arrived at the ward office in the Duttabad area at around 7:30 a.m. to oversee ongoing work. At that moment, a young man in a T-shirt approached and opened fire. Although he discharged two shots, both missed. A struggle ensued, during which the assailant struck Dutta with the gun’s butt before fleeing the scene.

Authorities at Bidhannagar South Police Station are currently analyzing CCTV footage to track down the assailant.

After receiving treatment at a local hospital, Dutta recounted, "I went to the ward office for work. Suddenly, a young man in a pink shirt and a mask brandished a gun. He fired two shots but missed. As he aimed for a third shot, I managed to grasp him. He then hit me on the head with the gun. When local residents emerged, he escaped through a road adjacent to Bengal Chemicals."

When queried about recognizing the attacker, Dutta stated, "He wore a mask, so I couldn’t identify him, but his eyes and face are vivid in my memory. I experienced a similar attack eight to nine months ago. I harbor no suspicions against anyone. I serve the community, which is why I seem to be targeted. Over the years, the Duttabad area has evolved; previously, it housed liquor shops, but now there are roads, electricity, and water."