Guwahati: More than 15 workers including former minister and CPI(M) MLA Bhanu Lal Saha, were injured after BJP supporters allegedly attacked the opposition party without warning.
The CPI(M) member identified as Saheed Mia passed away from his wounds after a BJP employee is said to have attacked him.
Speaking with reporters, MLA Saha said CPI(M) received permission in advance to organise a street corner and gathering in front of their party office in Charilam under the Sepahijala district.
“With an intention to murder us, they launched an attack and hurled a bomb at us. However some people somehow took shelter but when BJP supporters pelted stones at us, I sustained injuries on my nose and head. Later we entered an ATM where also they attacked us and because of my PG I narrowly escaped”, said MLA Saha while taking treatment at a hospital.
He added that more than 15 CPI(M) workers had suffered injuries.
“It was part of our party’s preplanned schedule, and prior approval was also obtained. When we were holding a gathering in front of our party office in Charilam, the police were nearby. Suddenly, the BJP gathered uninvitedly and began throwing bricks, stones, bottles, and bombs at us. Moreover, they violently assaulted a few of our employees. More members of our party have sought refuge in some homes or businesses,” he alleged.
Saha has also claimed that BJP members had threatened to kill him.
The CPI(M) workers also retaliated shortly after the BJP workers allegedly commenced the attack, which is when things started to become worse. To keep things legal and orderly, a sizable police and CRPF detachment was sent out.