Tension prevailed in Kailashahar on Wednesday evening after a clash reportedly broke out between two factions of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during Holi celebrations, according to local sources.
The incident occurred in the Baulapasha area under the Kailashahar Municipal Council when residents were celebrating the festival of colours. What began as a festive gathering soon turned into a confrontation, triggering unrest in the locality.
Amit Das, a former BJP booth president of Booth No. 41 under the 53-Kailashahar Assembly constituency, alleged that he was assaulted by a group of youths led by one Sayan Chandra. Speaking to media persons at his residence, Das claimed that after returning home from the celebrations, he was called outside by Chandra and a few others on the pretext of discussing an urgent matter.
According to Das, he was then taken towards a nearby house, where he was allegedly attacked and beaten up. He further alleged that when his wife and 16-year-old daughter rushed to the spot to intervene and rescue him, they too were physically assaulted by the group. The incident, he said, left his family shaken and created panic in the neighbourhood.
However, Sayan Chandra strongly refuted the allegations, describing them as “false and baseless.” Presenting a counter-version of events, Chandra claimed that he and several others were walking near the barbed-wire fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh international border in the same locality when Das and his associates allegedly confronted and attacked them without provocation.
Chandra stated that while he and a few others managed to escape from the scene, one युवक identified as Abhi was detained by local residents amid the commotion. The youth was subsequently handed over to the police for further action.
The conflicting accounts have added to the tension in the area, with supporters from both sides expressing anger over the incident. Police officials confirmed that one person has been detained in connection with the clash and that an investigation is underway.
“We are examining both versions of the incident and collecting statements from those involved. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” a police officer said.
Authorities are maintaining a watch in the locality to prevent any further escalation and to ensure that peace is restored in the area following the Holi-day altercation.
