West Bengal Minister Escapes Attack in Purba Bardhaman District

Kolkata, July 3 (PTI): West Bengal minister and President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Siddiqullah Chowdhury, narrowly escaped harm when his convoy was attacked by a mob in the Purba Bardhaman district on Thursday, police reported.

Chowdhury, who serves as the Minister of Mass Education Extension and Library Services and represents the Monteswar assembly constituency in Purba Bardhaman as a TMC legislator since 2021, expressed to reporters that there was "an attempt on his life."

A mob, allegedly led by local panchayat pradhan and a member of a faction within Chowdhury's own party, targeted his vehicle by throwing stones, breaking the windscreen, and causing injury to his hand.

"Local panchayat pradhan Rafiqul Islam Sheikh led his supporters in this murderous attack on me. The local inspector in charge did not take action to disperse the attackers. It was only my security personnel who came to my rescue," Chowdhury shared with reporters.

The minister called for the administration to take action against those responsible for the attack.

Rafiqul Islam Sheikh, acknowledging his role in the protest, told the press, "This was a spontaneous black flag demonstration by local people who were upset with the corrupt minister who had done nothing for the people of Monteswar.

As we wanted him to hear our grievances, his convoy attempted to speed away, which might have caused some damage to his vehicle. However, he is dramatizing the situation with wild allegations of attempted murder charges."

Police confirmed the occurrence of a black flag protest along with stones being hurled at the minister's convoy and stated that they dispersed the crowd.

The minister was escorted away from the site with the aid of a pilot car following the incident. An inquiry has been initiated, and police are conducting raids in the area, they added.

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