Kolkata: Political violence and alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) surfaced in the Behala West constituency over the past 48 hours as supporters of rival political parties clashed in Ward 119, even as a functionary of Congress alleged that he was targeted in a life-threatening assault.A complaint filed with the election authorities by Trinamool Congress workers claimed that some BJP workers have been intimidating general voters with “dire consequences” to influence their choice in the upcoming polls. The complaint further alleged that the accused have been tearing down posters and flexes of opposition parties, particularly of Trinamool Congress. Local police have started an inquiry.In a more violent turn of events, Gautam Saha, a senior Congress functionary, survived what he described as a premeditated assassination attempt. According to his complaint, Saha was returning in his vehicle near Becharam Chatterjee Road when a mob launched an unprovoked attack. The group pelted his car with bricks and attempted to block his path. Though Saha managed to evade the attackers, he was intercepted by a motorcyclist.Saha drove directly to the Behala PS but the mob caught up with him at the station’s entrance. The complainant alleged he was dragged from his vehicle and assaulted. He was rescued by the cop but the miscreants reportedly continued to issue death threats.The Behala police have registered a case involving charges of unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint and assault with intent to commit murder. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage.
