At least 10 people have been killed after a mob set their houses on fire in Rampurhat in West Bengal on Tuesday.
An investigation has been initiated by police into the matter.
The CPI(M) alleged the victim's houses were set ablaze to avenge the killing of Bhadu Sheikh, a TMC panchayat leader, on Monday. Sheikh was killed after crude bombs were hurled at him in Rampurhat.
The Times of India reported a mob gathered in Baguti village and attacked and set fire to houses after news of Sheikh's killing.
A total of 10 houses caught fire. The fire department claimed 10 bodies had been recovered so far. Earlier, fire fighters who rushed to the spot claimed 10 women and two children were killed.
West Bengal | Around 10-12 houses were set on fire last night. A total of 10 dead bodies have been recovered, 7 dead bodies were retrieved from a single house: Fire officials on death of several people after a mob allegedly set houses on fire and killed a TMC leader in Birbhum. pic.twitter.com/KOW2ldlCgy
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2022
The BJP alleged the incident was akin to the mass killing of the era of CPI(M) rule. The BJP demanded imposition of President's Rule in West Bengal.
If it is confirmed the fire was set deliberately, it would be the first mass political killings since Mamata Banerjee took over as chief minister in 2011.
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