BJP MP Arjun Singh suffers head injuries after clashes, says cops baton charged peaceful protests

Kolkata: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Arjun Singh suffered severe head injuries on Sunday when police allegedly indulged in baton charge at Kankinara in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district to lift a road blockade by a group of persons.

Arjun Singh alleged that Barrackpore police commissioner Manoj Verma struck him, causing a gash on his head. The parliamentarian was taken to Apollo hospital for treatment.

Donning his blood soaked shirt and a bandage on his head, said commissioner Verma led a police contingent attacked a ‘peaceful’ protest by the BJP over the capture of its party office at Shyamnagar, reported News18.

“Police intentionally attacked me. I have received about 10 to 12 stitches,” said Singh after coming out of the hospital.

A senior police officer, however, said that stones were being pelted during a clash between two groups at Kankinara and Singh suffered injuries in the melee. Sources said a mob that had blocked a road started pelting stones at the police officers, as soon as they arrived at the spot. The force retaliated and baton charged the gathering to clear the road.

Verma too had a narrow escape after a crude bomb aimed at him missed the target, following which he fired in the air. Two of juniors received severe injuries. Both Shyamnagar and Kankinara come under the Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency, of which Singh is the MP.

Several areas like Bhatpara and Kankinara, in the constituency have been in the grip of violence since Singh won the election on a BJP ticket, having deserted the Mamata Banerjee led ruling TMC, of which he was an MLA.

Earlier in the day, Singh's vehicle was vandalised near Shyamnagar railway station. According to Ajay Thakur, DC-zone 1, Barrackpore police commissionerate, some miscreants attacked the Barrackpore MP's car, smashing its windows.

"The matter has been reported to the police and an investigation is underway," he said. The parliamentarian claimed that the TMC supporters attacked and damaged his car.

He also said that the ruling party was using force to capture BJP party offices at various places in Barrackpore constituency, a charge denied by the Trinamool Congress.

More than 50 people, including some media persons, were injured in Sunday’s incident. A large contingent of police force have been deployed in the area.