4 killed as Trinamool, BJP men clash in West Bengal

Four men were killed and several injured in North 24 Paraganas district of India's West Bengal in clashes between BJP and Trinamool workers on Saturday night, reports The Hindu.

Three of the dead were BJP workers, while the other was a Trinamool member. The deceased were identified as Sukanta Mandal, Pradip Mandal and Tapan Mandal of the BJP and Kayum Mollah of the Trinamool, the Indian news portal added.

The parties blamed each other for the violence at Bhangipara of Sandeshkhali block, about 80 kilometres south of Kolkata.

According to a post by BJP, at least 18 of their supporters are missing.

The BJP said Trinamool cadre attacked their activists following a scuffle over removal of saffron flags. "They opened fire indiscriminately killing three of our cadres. Kayum Mollah was shot by Trinamool activists only," said Sayantan Basu, a BJP leader, according to The Hindu.

However, Trinamool leaders said armed BJP activists had attacked their members and killed Mollah.

"Kayum Mollah was hacked to death by BJP. He was shot too. BJP bringing outsiders to attack us," said TMC leader Jyotipriya Mullick.

Reportedly, TMC cadres attacked BJP activists in retaliation. However, police administration has not issued any statement.

Trouble was brewing in Sandeshkhali, albeit in a different area, over last few days as a senior Government official was beaten up. Incidents of sporadic violence was reported.

Leaders of both parties are expected to visit Sandeshkhali on Saturday which may trigger more commotion.