Tension erupts in Kolkata as TMC, BJP workers clash, media personnel attacked

According to reports, activists of the two rival parties engaged in a clash with each other over tearing up poll-campaign posters and flexes of the BJP at Chetla, barely 50 metres away from former city mayor and TMC leader Firhad Hakim's residence, soon after BJP candidate in Bhawanipore assembly seat, Rudranil Ghosh, had held a rally at the area.

Workers of both parties threw bricks and stones aiming at each other and the entire incident happened in presence of the Kolkata Police force.

During the violence, few TMC activists allegedly attacked media personnel covering the clash, vandalised their cameras and destroyed the recordings.

Following the incident, Rudranil Ghosh rushed to the scene and BJP supporters staged a demonstration outside Chetla Police Station.

"Bobby Hakim and his TMC goons are doing these to stop me and BJP from reaching out to the local residents of Chetla and listening to their problems," Rudranil Ghosh said.

"They have understood their poor situation in the ongoing election and that's why they are doing all these," the actor-turned-BJP candidate added.

A senior city police official said that three separate FIRs have been registered at Chetla PS in connection with the political clash and an investigation has been initiated into the matter.

Police officials said that four persons have been held so far in connection with the incident.

Reacting on the matter, TMC candidate from Kolkata Port AC, Firhad Hakim, said, "Whatever happened last night was unfortunate, untoward and unwanted, this should not have happened. BJP brought outsiders here and had started brick batting aiming at our workers."

"Police should probe the incident properly and take strict action against whoever was involved in it," Hakim added.