Malda: A 35-year-old BJP supporter was shot dead and at least six people were injured in clashes in West Bengal's Malda district on Wednesday evening, police said.
Samir Ghosh was first attacked with sharp weapons and then shot twice in the Ramkeli area under the English Bazar police station, an official said. He was declared dead at a hospital.
The killing triggered clashes between two groups in the area. The injured were taken to the Malda Medical College and Hospital. Local people alleged that supporters of a rival political party were behind the attack, though police did not confirm this.
Police forces were deployed in large numbers to bring the situation under control. No arrests had been made so far, officials said.
The incident comes amid heightened political tension in the state. Earlier this year, the BJP formed the government in West Bengal, and the ruling party and the Opposition have clashed repeatedly over law and order.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had said on Wednesday that the BJP would get the support of 275 MLAs in the 294-member Assembly if a floor test were held, claiming that 64 legislators elected on Trinamool Congress tickets would back him. Trinamool leaders rejected the claim.
Officials said they were investigating the Malda killing and that additional forces had been stationed in the area. The body was sent for post-mortem, and police said they were questioning local residents as part of the probe.
Additional police parties were deployed in the Ramkeli area to prevent further tension, and district officials appealed for calm. Malda has seen repeated political clashes in recent months.