Guwahati: Pre-poll violence escalated in Assam‘s Samaguri constituency late Saturday evening when suspected armed miscreants opened fire on a BJP padayatra (march) involving Barhampur MLA Jitu Goswami, injuring three people.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the Moriputhi area of Samaguri when attackers targeted BJP leaders participating in the march, including MLA Goswami.
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Witnesses reported that the assailants initially pelted stones at the participants before attacking them with sticks, and later unidentified individuals fired shots at the group, injuring three. Goswami’s vehicle also sustained partial damage from the attack.
The injured were admitted to a hospital in Nagaon for treatment.
The Samaguri constituency has witnessed sporadic incidents of violence recently between supporters of the ruling BJP and the Congress.
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In this constituency, Tanzil Hussain, son of former minister and Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain, is contesting on a Congress ticket against BJP’s candidate, Diplu Ranjan Sarma.
Following the incident, Assam Minister Bimal Borah visited the spot and alleged that Congress leader Rakibul Hussain was involved.
“Hussain has lost his mental balance, fearing his son’s impending electoral loss, which is why he’s resorting to violence,” E TV Bharat quoted Borah as saying.
Senior police officials present at the scene confirmed the firing but refrained from commenting further.
“We are aware of the incident and are conducting an investigation to identify those responsible,” a police officer stated.