Siliguri, 15th March: Tension prevailed in Siliguri after allegations of stone-pelting surfaced involving a special train carrying BJP workers and supporters returning from the Brigade rally held in Kolkata.
The incident reportedly took place in the Coal Depot area under Ward No. 07 of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation.
According to local sources, the special train bound for Alipurduar had halted for around ten minutes in the area. During this time, locals alleged that some BJP workers and supporters on the train made objectionable gestures and engaged in provocative behaviour towards people in the area.
Soon after, stone-pelting reportedly began from both sides, creating panic among passengers on board the train. Upon receiving information about the incident, personnel from the GRP and Siliguri Police reached the spot. The situation was brought under control following police intervention, after which the train was allowed to proceed towards its destination.
The incident has also triggered political reactions. Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari and BJP MLA Dipak Barman alleged on social media that anti-social elements linked to the Trinamool Congress deliberately targeted BJP workers by pelting stones at the train.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has strongly denied the allegations. Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb stated that the incident occurred due to the behaviour of BJP supporters themselves.