Four killed in CISF firing after 'scuffle' at West Bengal's Cooch Behar; TMC, BJP trade charges

Sitalkuchi (West Bengal): Four persons were killed on Saturday when CISF personnel opened fire allegedly after coming under attack from locals, who “attempted to snatch their rifles” in Cooch Behar district. The incident took place in Sitalkuchi area when voting was underway, a senior district police officer said. “As per preliminary reports, four persons were killed as CISF personnel opened fire after coming under attack in a village. “A scuffle took place, and locals gheraoed them and attempted to snatch their rifles, following which the central forces opened fire. Further details are awaited,” he said. The TMC claimed that the four deceased persons were its supporters. The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal sought explanation from the Election Commission over the deaths. “We are sad to say with deep concern that firing by central forces has left four dead and four injured at Mathabhanga. We also want to say that the central forces are committing crimes and crossing all limits. The EC should come out with an explanation,” TMC Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen said. Sen said when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had pointed to the excesses of the central forces, she was twice issued a showcause notice. “Now, the people of the state want to showcause the EC about how this unfortunate event unfolded,” she said. The TMC leader said the BJP is playing mind games and resorting to pressure tactics. “Mamata Banerjee has already won the Nandigram seat by a huge margin. BJP is merely selling a dream to its party workers,” Sen said. She also shared clippings of purported videos, one of which showed central forces vandalising TMC camps at night. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths requested the Election Commission to take stern action against those responsible for the incident. He blamed the ruling TMC for perpetrating violence during the polls. He also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of instigating people against the central forces. “What happened in Cooch Behar is unfortunate and sad. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and urge the Election Commission to take stern action against those responsible for the incident. “Mamata Didi and her TMC goons have become jittery because of ground swell of support for BJP,” Modi told an election rally at Siliguri in North Bengal. The Election Commission (EC) has ordered adjournment of polls at polling station number 126 in the Sitalkuchi Assembly constituency of West Bengal amid the reports of violence. A spokesperson of the poll panel said the decision was based on an interim report filed by special observers. Detailed reports have been sought from them and the state Chief Electoral Officer by 5 pm.