Clash Between TMC and BJP in Chopra; Firearms, Bullets Recovered

MP, Apr 18, 2026, Raiganj: Political tension escalated in Chopra in North Dinajpur district after a violent clash broke out between workers of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday night, leaving several people injured and triggering unrest in the locality.

Police and central forces were deployed promptly and managed to bring the situation under control. However, the incident has left the area tense amid the ongoing election atmosphere.

Tension further intensified after police and central forces recovered two country-made firearms along with five rounds of ammunition from a vehicle allegedly used for BJP’s election campaign. The recovery created panic among residents and heightened political friction in the area.

The incident occurred at Suiguchh under Majhiwali Gram Panchayat in the Chopra police station area. According to sources, the clash erupted when supporters of both parties came face to face at night, leading to an exchange of heated words that quickly turned physical. Several workers from both sides reportedly sustained injuries in the ensuing chaos.

TMC candidate Hamidul Rahaman alleged that the violence began when his party workers were returning home after campaigning. “At Suiguchh, some people gathered in front of a BJP leader’s house and started raising slogans targeting our workers. When our supporters protested, BJP supporters began pelting stones, injuring at least two of our members,” added Rahaman.

He further alleged that the firearms were recovered from a BJP campaign vehicle and demanded strict action against BJP leaders.

On the other hand, BJP candidate Shankar Adhikary refuted the allegations and accused TMC workers of instigating the violence. He stated: “We had gone to visit a party worker’s house when a group of TMC activists suddenly attacked us and damaged my car. Two of our members were injured. The firearms recovered were planted by TMC-backed miscreants.”

Superintendent of Police of Islampur Police District, Rakesh Singh, confirmed the recovery of arms and ammunition from the vehicle and stated: “No arrests have been made so far and an investigation is currently underway. Both police and central force are on alert.”