A day meant to celebrate the electoral success in Kaliganj turned into one of horror and mourning, as a 13-year-old girl lost her life in a bomb blast allegedly linked to a Trinamool Congress (TMC) victory procession. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and a fierce political row, casting a shadow over the party's resounding by-poll triumph.
The victim, identified as Tamanna Khatun, a Class IV student, was caught in the blast near Molandi in Kaliganj, while reportedly returning home. Severely injured, she was rushed to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The tragic event unfolded just as TMC supporters began victory celebrations following Alifa Ahmed's emphatic win in the assembly by-election.
According to local sources and eyewitnesses, a socket bomb was allegedly hurled from the TMC procession, reportedly targeting homes of CPI(M) supporters. The victim’s parents, who are known to be CPI(M) supporters, alleged that the attack was politically motivated.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the child’s death and ordered a swift and uncompromising police investigation. In a post on social media, she extended condolences to the bereaved family and directed authorities to ensure that those responsible face strict legal action.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened at the death of a young girl in an explosion at Barochandgar in Krishnanagar police district. My prayers and thoughts are with the family in their hour of grief. Police shall take strong and decisive legal action against the culprits at the earliest,” she said on her X handle.
Also read: TMC clinches victory in Kaliganj bypoll, BJP trails behind
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has formally sought a report from the district administration, seeking clarity over the incident and the potential lapse in security. Notably, the polling on June 19 and the initial hours of counting on Monday had been largely peaceful, under tight three-tier security, with deployment of state police, central forces, and surveillance teams.
Police said one person was arrested till Monday afternoon in connection with the incident.
The incident has triggered immediate political backlash. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya condemned the violence, accusing the ruling party of being unable to win an election “without bloodshed.”
“13-year-old Tamanna Khatun—a Class 4 student—was blown to pieces in Kaliganj, where bombs were hurled during a TMC victory rally. This is the blood price of Mamata Banerjee’s violent, vote-bank-driven politics. West Bengal has no law and order left. Mamata Banerjee, ironically the state’s Home Minister, has failed spectacularly as an administrator. Worse, she fuels radicalised politics to polarise and retain her Muslim vote bank—only for innocent children like Tamanna to pay with their lives. This is not governance. This is criminal neglect,” Malviya said on his X handle.
Also read: Bengal's bombs: Children in crossfire of political violence
While Trinamool Congress has categorically denied involvement in the blast, party leaders have acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Alifa Ahmed, the winning candidate, condemned the incident and urged a thorough investigation, hinting at the possibility of sabotage by unknown actors seeking to malign the party’s image during a moment of triumph.
The incident has cast a dark cloud over what was otherwise a major political win for the TMC, with Alifa Ahmed not only retaining her late father Nasiruddin Ahmed’s seat but also surpassing his 2021 victory margin.
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