A 13-year-old girl tragically lost her life in an explosion caused by a crude bomb allegedly hurled by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers during a victory rally in Kaliganj, Nadia district, West Bengal. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon as TMC supporters celebrated their win in the bye-elections. Police confirmed that the girl succumbed to her injuries and assured that a full-scale investigation is underway. “We shall spare no stone unturned to nab the culprits behind this extremely unfortunate death,” the West Bengal Police posted on X, stating that raids were ongoing to arrest those responsible.
The by-election was held following the death of former TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed in February. His daughter, Alifa Ahmed, contested and won the Kaliganj seat with a margin of 50,049 votes, securing 102,759 votes against BJP candidate Ashish Ghosh, who received 52,710 votes. The TMC has largely retained control of this constituency since 2011. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences on X, writing, “I am shocked and deeply saddened at the death of a young girl in an explosion… Police shall take strong and decisive legal action against the culprits at the earliest.”
According to local resident Ziaul Sheikh, the rally turned violent when TMC workers allegedly hurled crude bombs at homes belonging to CPI(M) and Congress supporters. “They were celebrating with green colour, shouting slogans, and bursting crackers when bombs were thrown indiscriminately,” he said. One of those bombs reportedly struck and killed the girl. The incident has intensified political tensions in the area, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a moment of celebration for the ruling party.
