One company of central forces was deployed in strife-torn Bhangar in South 24-Parganas on Saturday, the deployment coinciding with the state CID starting its investigation into the incidents of arson and murders that rocked the rural area on the fringes of Calcutta during the nomination process for the July 8 panchayat polls.
One company of central forces has around 100-110 personnel.
Bhangar was on the boil throughout the nomination period from June 9 to 15 as the clashes, which broke out primarily between Trinamul and the ISF, claimed two lives.
ISF supporter Mahiuddin Khan and Trinamul worker Raju Naskar were killed in two separate clashes between the warring parties on June 15, which was the last date of the nominations. The CID will investigate these two murders apart from investigating incidents of arson.
CID officials on Saturday investigate near the area where a clash broke out last week at Bhangar, South 24-Parganas district PTI picture
The deployment of central forces has boosted the confidence of residents, many of whom turned up at the Bhangar College to see them. The troops will camp at Bhangar College during the period of their deployment.
“We all know political goons are afraid of the central forces. If used properly I believe Bhangar will stay peaceful during the polls,” said Jabbar Khan, a local farmer.
The forces started their route marches and patrolling for area domination on Saturday evening.
A group of CID officers reached the Bijoygunge market area on Saturday, nine days after violence rocked the locality, with vehicles, houses and shops set afire. The sleuths prepared a sketch of the locality and checked the charred vehicles still lying there.
The local Kashipur police station has already made multiple arrests in connection with the two murders. Bhangar’s ISF MLA Nawsad Siddique has been accused of the murder of Naskar, while Trinamul strongman Arabul Islam and his son are facing similar charges for the death of Mahiuddin.
Siddique, who moved court for security fearing for his life, said he was not very confident about peace in Bhangar even after the deployment of central forces.
“I have always said that a free and fair poll can only be ensured by the State Election Commission. If the commission is biased, no number of central forces can help,” he said.
Around 81 members of Siddique’s party are still fighting a legal battle in Calcutta High Court to ensure their nominations are accepted.
A group of officers from the Union home ministry visited Siddique’s residence and office on Saturday and assured him of his security cover soon.
Central forces reached other districts of south Bengal districts, like Hooghly, Birbhum, and Bankura as well.
A senior district official in Birbhum said central forces troops have been assigned in different pockets according to the directives of the state poll panel.
