Police Officer Fatally Injured While Stopping Cattle Smuggling in Nandigram, Bengal
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Synopsis
Tension in Nandigram, West Bengal, escalated after a police officer was killed while intervening in a cattle smuggling incident. The driver of a truck fled the scene after colliding with the police vehicle, resulting in injuries to two other officers. The local community is protesting due to perceived negligence by district police regarding smuggling complaints.
Key Takeaways
- Police officer killed while stopping cattle smuggling.
- Incident occurred in Nandigram, East Midnapore.
- Driver of the truck escaped after the collision.
- Community anger directed at police negligence.
- Political tensions rise following the incident.
Kolkata, April 17 (NationPress) Tension erupted in Nandigram, located in West Bengal's East Midnapore district, on Thursday following the tragic death of a police officer who was trying to halt cattle smuggling activities in the area.
According to available reports, a patrol vehicle from the local Reyapara Police station intercepted a truck this morning, suspecting it was carrying smuggled cattle.
In an attempt to flee, the truck driver collided with the police vehicle.
After the crash, the driver escaped from the scene, leaving the police vehicle operator and two additional officers seriously injured.
The officer operating the police vehicle, Sahadeb Pradhan, who lived in the area, sustained the most severe injuries. He was promptly taken to Nandigram Super-Speciality Hospital, but tragically succumbed shortly after arrival.
The other two injured officers are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital. The deceased officer was the primary breadwinner for his family, living with his elderly mother and younger brother.
Following the incident, local residents expressed their anger, claiming that district police officials have consistently overlooked complaints regarding cattle smuggling in the area. Tensions escalated as some neighbors engaged in heated discussions with local police.
At the time of reporting, the atmosphere remained tense. Authorities were actively pursuing the truck and its driver. A district police official stated, “We will take strong action against the culprits. No one will be spared.”
Furthermore, a political controversy has emerged, with district BJP leaders asserting that this incident highlights the lack of safety for police personnel in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of politicizing the tragic death of the police officer.
The elected representative for the Nandigram Assembly constituency is Suvendu Adhikari, who serves as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly.
