Police open lathi charge, fire blank shots after tender dispute sparks violence in Kailashahar

Tension ran high in Kailashahar as clashes broke out between two factions of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party after a tussle over government contracts turned ugly on Friday.

According to local sources, local BJP Mandal President Pritam Ghosh was assaulted by an infuriated group of people at Katal Dighir Par under the jurisdiction of Kailashahar police station. The residence of BJP Yuva Morcha President Arup Dhar also came under attack.

Sources said the clashes primarily erupted between the loyalists of Dhar and Ghosh, who had been at loggerheads over a particular government tender.

Speaking to media persons, Pritam Ghosh said that he went to the place of occurrence after being informed by locals that some miscreants, allegedly from the minority community, were harassing residents. “We were informed that a group of Muslim youngsters indulged in eve-teasing at that particular location. Today is Saraswati Puja, an auspicious occasion for Hindus. When we rushed to the spot to tackle the situation, we were attacked,” Ghosh told media persons.

When asked about the involvement of Arup Dhar, the Yuva Morcha leader, Ghosh said, “We will file a police complaint giving the names of all the accused persons. Those who are responsible for the attack have been identified and no one will be spared.”

On being informed, Superintendent of Police of Unakoti district Sudhanbhika R, SDPO Rahul A, and OC of Kailashahar police station Tapash Malakar rushed to the spot.

To defuse the tension, police resorted to a lathi charge and fired four blank shots to disperse the mob. A large contingent of police, TSR personnel and central force troopers were deployed in the area to restore calm.

Speaking to reporters, SDPO Rahul A said, “The situation turned tense after clashes broke out between two groups. We took all the emergency action that was required at that time, following all procedures.”

When asked what prompted the violence, he said, “What actually occurred is yet to be ascertained and requires proper investigation. Both groups are accusing each other, and for now the priority is to restore calm. I request everyone to remain aware and refrain from any kind of violent activity.”

He also said that no arrests had been made so far.

Several motorcycles and a residential dwelling also came under attack during the incident, sources said.