Dharmanagar witnesses escalating political violence as alleged attacks on CPI(M) and Congress offices spark chaos. Arson attempts, vandalism, public panic, and accusations of police inaction raise serious concerns over law and order amid rising political tensions in the region.
Violence and rising political tensions have shaken the town of Dharmanagar, following back-to-back incidents of alleged attacks, arson attempts, and vandalism targeting opposition political parties. The situation has triggered widespread fear among residents and raised urgent concerns over the deteriorating law and order environment in the region.
The first major outbreak of violence occurred on Wednesday around 12:30 p.m., when a peaceful rally organized by the CPI(M) came under sudden attack. According to party workers, the procession was progressing along the main road when a group of alleged BJP supporters approached from behind and began assaulting participants. Eyewitnesses described scenes of sudden chaos as attackers carrying party flags rushed toward the rally, sparking panic among locals and party workers alike.
Several CPI(M) leaders sustained serious injuries during the attack. Among them was former MLA Amitabh Dutta, who was visibly bleeding after being struck. Two other leaders, Abhijit Dey and Ratan Roy, were also injured in the violence. The abruptness and intensity of the attack led to immediate disorder, forcing rally participants to disperse for safety.
Residents who witnessed the incident reported hearing shouts and seeing people running in multiple directions fearing further escalation. “The situation turned chaotic within seconds,” recalled one shopkeeper, explaining how the disturbance disrupted daily activity across the area. Many local businesses shut down temporarily, and traffic halted as uncertainty spread.
In a disturbing follow-up incident later the same afternoon, miscreants allegedly vandalized the District Congress office, further escalating tensions. Furniture was damaged, and the premises were reportedly ransacked by unknown individuals. Locals described the unfolding situation as “horrific,” noting that violence seemed to erupt from multiple directions across the town.
Criticism quickly mounted against the police, with residents and party workers accusing law enforcement of failing to intervene. Witnesses alleged that several police personnel were present nearby but did not take adequate action to protect those under attack or calm the deteriorating situation. This alleged inaction has fueled public frustration, with many demanding accountability and stronger preventive measures.
The Wednesday violence followed another alarming incident from the previous night. Between 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, unidentified miscreants reportedly attempted to set fire to the century-old Dharmanagar District Congress office. The fire service responded swiftly and was able to prevent a major disaster, but the attempt underscored the rising wave of politically motivated attacks.
Upon entering the office on Wednesday morning, Congress workers discovered burnt national flags, destroyed furniture, charred documents, and multiple signs indicating an attempted arson. Flags placed at the entrance of the building were also allegedly torched.
District Congress president Digbijoy Chakraborty condemned the attack in strong terms, accusing BJP workers of orchestrating a “vicious political vendetta.” He described the attack as an assault on democratic values and vowed that Congress supporters would not be intimidated. “No matter how many malicious attempts are made, we will not retreat,” he stated, warning that the party was prepared to launch a stronger movement if necessary.
Outraged by the repeated incidents, Congress workers staged a road blockade at noon, bringing parts of Dharmanagar to a standstill. The protest was followed by a rally demanding justice and accountability. Later in the day, party leaders filed an FIR at the local police station, urging authorities to take strict action against those responsible for the attacks and arson attempts.
As political tensions continue to mount, Dharmanagar remains tense and anxious. Locals fear further outbreaks of violence and have appealed to authorities to restore law and order immediately. Community members stressed the need for impartial investigations and meaningful steps to prevent political rivalries from endangering public safety.
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Despite the severity of the incidents, police officials have yet to issue an official statement, leaving many residents concerned and uncertain about what to expect next. Until clarity emerges, the atmosphere in Dharmanagar remains charged, with political unrest showing no signs of settling.
