Kolkata, Feb 11 (NationPress) - A bomb was thrown at the residence of Trinamool Congress Councillor Asit Majumdar in Basirhat, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, as reported by police on Wednesday.

No injuries occurred during the incident, although it caused considerable panic in the vicinity.

At the time of the attack, Majumdar, who represents ward number eight of the Basirhat Municipality, was at home.

The perpetrators fled the scene before he could exit his house after hearing the explosion. The seasoned politician mentioned that he had never encountered such an event in his extensive 55-year political career and pointed to potential “infighting” within his party.

In response to the bombing, local party leaders, including MLA from the Basirhat Dakshin constituency Saptarshi Banerjee, visited the scene on Tuesday night.

The MLA suggested that the opposition might be behind this incident. However, the BJP countered by alleging that internal conflicts within the Trinamool Congress were the root cause. An investigation has been initiated by the police.

A police officer from the Basirhat district stated, “The initial assessment indicates that a socket-type bomb was launched at the councillor’s residence. Fragments of the bomb have been retrieved from the site. We are gathering information through interviews with the councillor and local residents. Surveillance footage is being reviewed, and we aim to swiftly identify and apprehend the culprits.”

Majumdar is recognized as a prominent figure in Basirhat's political landscape. He began his career with the Congress party, later joining the Trinamool, where he successfully won municipal elections and became a councillor. His spouse, Krishna Majumdar, served as the chairman of the Basirhat Municipality for five years. The bombing incident at the home of such a notable leader has intensified political tensions, especially in the current election climate.

Reports indicate that on Tuesday night, the councillor was conversing with several local individuals at his home. Allegations have surfaced that the assailants targeted Asit Majumdar's residence after these individuals departed. The explosion caused damage to part of the iron grill at the main entrance.

Majumdar recounted, “I was having a discussion with acquaintances at home. After they left, I suddenly heard a loud noise. Then the smell of gunpowder reached me, and I realized someone had thrown a bomb! I have never witnessed anything like this in my long political career.”

He further stated, “Even during the Left Front era, no one had the audacity to attack my residence. The police arrived promptly after the incident. I feel disheartened by the current state of affairs in Basirhat. I harbor no disputes or rivalries with anyone, so I cannot identify the individuals responsible. Nonetheless, I suspect it could be someone local, rather than an outsider.”

MLA Saptarshi Banerjee condemned the attack, stating, “The police confirmed that a socket bomb was thrown at this party leader's home. This is a very vile act, and I denounce it. The true perpetrators will be revealed after the CCTV footage is examined. We have instructed the police to apprehend those responsible within 48 hours. Those aiming to destabilize Bengal might be behind this incident, indicating underlying political motives.”

In response, Palash Sarkar, president of the BJP's Basirhat organizational district Yuva Morcha remarked, “Today, the public's lives are in disarray due to the Trinamool's antics. The residents of Basirhat are exasperated. The factional strife within the Trinamool has escalated to such an extent that even the party's councillors are not exempt.”