Bengal minister Siddiqulah Chowdhury's convoy attacked by mob

Kolkata: West Bengal minister and President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Siddiqullah Chowdhury escaped unhurt when his convoy was attacked by a mob in Purba Bardhaman district on Thursday, police said.

Chowdhury, minister of Mass Education Extension and Library Services who had won from the Monteswar assembly constituency seat in Purba Bardhaman district on a TMC ticket in 2021, told reporters there was "an attempt on his life" as a mob, led by local panchayat pradhan and belonging to a faction of his party, hurled stones at his vehicle and smashed the windscreen causing injury to his hand.

"Local panchayat pradhan Rafiqul Islam Sheikh led his supporters in perpetrating this murderous attack on me. The local inspector in charge took no action in dispersing the attackers. Only the security personnel accompanying me came to my rescue," Chowdhury told reporters.

The minister demanded action against the attackers by the administration.

Admitting he had led the protest, Sheikh told reporters "This was a spontaneous black flag demonstration by local people who were upset with the corrupt minister who had done nothing for the people of Monteswar. As we had wanted him to hear our grievances his convoy tried to speed away which might have led to some damage to his vehicle. However, he is staging drama by making wild allegations of attempted murder charges." Police confirmed the black flag protest and hurling of stones at the minister's convoy and said the crowd was dispersed and the minister was escorted away from the spot by a pilot car after the incident.

An inquiry has been ordered and raids are on in the area, police said.