TURA: In a suspected case of poll-related violence, a Congress worker was stabbed in the stomach by unidentified armed men carrying lethal weapons in Phulbari constituency of West Garo Hills on Sunday night.
The incident occurred at Charbatapara village of Phulbari at around 8:30 in the night when a group of Congress workers went for campaigning to the site only to be attacked by a group of miscreants armed with rods, daggers and other lethal weapons.
In the attack one Israful Hoque of Bholarbita village in Chibinang was stabbed in the stomach with a knife and had to be taken to Phulbari CHC for treatment. He was later referred to Goalpara where he is undergoing medical treatment.
The victims have filed a police FIR at Phulbari police station and blamed the opposition NPP for the attack.
“When they attacked us we all fled in different directions but they managed to catch me and starting dragging me away. I raised a hue and cry for which they stabbed me and then fled into the nearby paddy fields,” said injured Hoque who is recuperating in Solace hospital.
Another party worker, Nur Alom, managed to escape with minor injuries from the attack.
West Garo Hills police have begun an investigation into the attack.
“We are awaiting a medical report to ascertain the nature of the injuries and action will be taken as per the law. The situation as of now is normal and our police teams have done a flag march as well as area domination in the place of the incident. We have also spoken to people to ensure a repeat does not happen” said district SP MGR Kumar.
A magisterial enquiry has also been ordered by the District Election Officer, it is learnt.
The constituencies in the plain belt region have for long been politically sensitive during election time with past records of poll violence being reported forcing authorities to dispatch more forces to the region to check any disturbances.
In Phulbari, it is expected to be a tight fight among INC candidate and current MLA, AT Mondal, SG Esmatur Mominin (Rahibul) of the NPP, BJP candidate Binoy Ghosh and independent candidate – Mark Goera Marak.
