Mamata Banerjee's allegations and the Sitalkuchi incident

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about the 2021 Sitalkuchi firing incident, accusing a BJP candidate of involvement. 

Sitalkuchi firing: Background

Speaking at a rally in Cooch Behar, she reminded the crowd of the tragedy where five people were shot, including four from the minority community and one from the Rajbanshi community. Banerjee alleged that the person responsible for the incident is now a BJP candidate from Birbhum.

The incident in question occurred on April 10, 2021, during the West Bengal Assembly elections. A clash erupted between locals and CISF personnel in Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar district. The central forces opened fire, leading to the unfortunate deaths of four civilians. The CISF claimed that the mob attempted to snatch their weapons during the altercation.

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Debashis Dhar: BJP's candidate from Birbhum

Debashis Dhar, the BJP's candidate from Birbhum, was the Superintendent of Police in Cooch Behar at the time of the Sitalkuchi incident. After the 2021 Bengal elections, he was suspended from his position. Recently, Dhar, a 2010 batch IPS officer, submitted his resignation on March 21 this year. He was included in the BJP's list of Lok Sabha candidates and is set to contest against incumbent Trinamool Congress MP Satabdi Roy from Birbhum.

Banerjee's remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions in West Bengal, with the upcoming elections drawing attention to past events. The Sitalkuchi incident remains a contentious issue, with Banerjee's allegations adding to the electoral discourse in the region.

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