Kolkata, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Another book stall set up by the CPI(M) was allegedly vandalised during Durga Puja in Ashoknagar, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, police said on Wednesday. A police officer was injured while attempting to control the ensuing clash, and a local BJP leader was arrested in connection with the incident.
The CPI(M) has again accused BJP workers of targeting its book stalls, alleging that the latest incident took place on Tuesday night, during Navami.
According to the complaint, posters and flex banners at the CPI(M) stalls were torn down. The board of Ganashakti, the party’s mouthpiece in West Bengal, and a permanent board used for displaying party posters were also allegedly damaged.
An argument reportedly broke out over the alleged vandalism before escalating into a clash. Ashoknagar Police Station Sub-Inspector Ashish Roy, who reached the spot to bring the situation under control, was allegedly attacked and sustained a cut to his face, resulting in heavy bleeding. He was rescued and admitted to Ashoknagar State General Hospital.
Police arrested Biswajit Nag, 45, a local BJP leader who resides in Ward No. 5 of Ashoknagar. According to the police, a suo motu case has been registered and an investigation is underway to identify others allegedly involved in the clash and the attack on police personnel.
Police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
Commenting on Tuesday’s incident, CPI(M) leader and former Ashoknagar MLA Satyasebi Kar said, “Books teach people to understand the difference between right and wrong. They open people’s eyes. They teach them to recognise white as white and black as black.”
Kar alleged that a group of people had vandalised the stall by tearing down posters and flex banners. He added, “If there is an ideological dispute, they should also open a book stall to counter us and express their views.”
The Left leader stressed that everyone has the right to express their opinion in a democracy.
Local CPI(M) leader Shyamal Bose also condemned the incident, saying, “Those who are attacking the book stall are against books and knowledge.”
Bose alleged that a group of unruly people was responsible for such incidents.
The BJP had not issued a response to the incident or the arrest of its leader at the time of reporting.
CPI(M) book stalls have reportedly faced similar attacks at several locations across West Bengal, including Kolkata and Nadia, in earlier incidents.
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