CPM office set on fire in West Bengal; ABVP suspected, protest march held

KOLKATA: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) organised a protest march in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, after its district committee office was allegedly attacked and set on fire. The march was held on Monday night in protest against the attack on Subodh Sen Bhavan, the party’s district office.

A large police contingent was deployed along the route as authorities anticipated possible clashes. The CPM alleged that ABVP activists were behind the attack. The ABVP and BJP, however, denied the allegations.

The incident followed a clash between ABVP and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) activists in Jalpaiguri on Monday afternoon. Several ABVP workers were reportedly injured in the clash and later approached the police with a complaint.

ABVP activists alleged that they were attacked again near the CPM district committee office while returning after filing the complaint at the police station.

Later, at around 10.30 pm, a group allegedly surrounded the CPM office and launched an attack. The CPM claimed that furniture and other items inside the office were damaged and party flags were set on fire. Party leaders also alleged that a memorial dedicated to martyrs was damaged and window panes were smashed.

CPM Jalpaiguri district secretary Pijush Mishra alleged that the attackers arrived carrying petrol bombs, swords and sticks. He claimed that they pelted stones at the office before setting it on fire.

Police reached the spot after receiving information about the attack and brought the situation under control. A verbal confrontation between police personnel and CPM workers was also reportedly witnessed during the incident.

The CPM further alleged that BJP workers were involved in the attack along with ABVP activists. The allegations have been denied by both organisations.

The incident has once again heightened political tensions in Jalpaiguri. Police have stepped up surveillance in the area to prevent further clashes and maintain law and order.