A group of unknown assailants on Tuesday fired at Trinamool leader Mirza Sanwar Ali in Hooghly’s Chinsurah, triggering protest by locals on Wednesday who blocked Chinsurah road and attacked a police vehicle. Ali (50), however, escaped with only minor injuries as the bullets did not hit him, police sources said. He sustained injuries on his forehead, and has been admitted to Chinsurah Sadar Imambara Hospital.
Sources in the police said the incident took place at Chawk Bazaar when Ali was returning home after his work on Tuesday night. The assailants had fired three bullets at him from behind. The firing created panic in the area and locals rushed to help.
Following the attack, locals caught a man in the area and beat him up, suspecting him to be one of the assailants. Police later rescued him. A large number of Trinamool supporters blocked the Chinsurah road in protest against the attack, demanding immediate action against the accused. The mob also attacked a police vehicle.
Later, Deputy Commissioner Sumit Kumar reached the spot and brought the situation under control after assuring the protesters of prompt action against the accused.
State minister Tapan Dasgupta visited Ali at the hospital and enquired about his condition. “The main accused Sheikh Sahib (a history-sheeter) has been identified. I have already spoken to the police so that actions are taken immediately against the attackers. None will be spared,” Dasgupta said.