Kolkata
oi-Swastika Sruti
Two days after the West Bengal election results, the state witnessed multiple bomb incidents on May 7, raising fresh concerns over law and order.
Earlier in the day, a blast was reported in Panihati, near the residence of the RG Kar victim’s mother, just hours after the murder of Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide, Chandranath Rath.
Later in the evening, panic gripped the Shibpur area of Howrah as multiple crude bombs exploded in slum clusters. Residents reported loud blasts followed by chaos, with bricks and debris flying through narrow lanes as people rushed to find safety.
The situation quickly turned tense, prompting a heavy police response. Teams from the local police, along with the Rapid Action Force, were deployed to bring the situation under control.
Targeted Attack on Manoj Khan?
According to initial reports, the attack may have been aimed at Manoj Khan, a BJP Minority Cell leader. During the violence, miscreants allegedly tried to vandalise nearby shops, increasing fear among local residents.
Bombs are being hurled on BJP workers by TMC Shamim Ahmed & his goons in Shibpur Howrah, many BJP workers have been injured in this bombing.
I request @KolkataPolice to arrest all these TMC criminals and take strict action against them… #PostPollViolence pic.twitter.com/3C3UHO2Umo
— Priyanka Sharma 🇮🇳 (@Priyankabjym) May 7, 2026“>
Several people were reported injured in the incident, though the exact number is yet to be officially confirmed.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos
Residents described the situation as extremely frightening. Eyewitnesses said multiple crude bombs were thrown in quick succession, creating loud explosions that echoed across the area.
#WATCH | Howrah, West Bengal: Visuals from Shivpurs Chaurabasti area where a clash broke out reportedly between BJP and TMC workers
Howrah City Police Commissioner Akhilesh Chaturvedi said, “A political clash had taken place, resulting in one injury. Upon receiving information… https://t.co/godYREnaqs pic.twitter.com/j8KBpE6w6I
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2026“>
Some locals also claimed that gunshots were heard during the incident, although authorities are still verifying these claims. The blasts reportedly caused damage to property and added to the panic in the neighbourhood.
Political Blame Game Intensifies
The incident has quickly taken a political turn. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being behind the attack.
These allegations have further escalated tensions in the region, with both sides likely to engage in a war of words as the investigation progresses.
Police Investigation Underway
Police officials have begun an investigation into the incident and are collecting evidence from the spot. Security has been tightened in and around Shibpur to prevent any further escalation.
Authorities are also examining claims that nearly seven crude bombs were used and that gunfire may have occurred. For now, officials have urged residents to remain calm while they continue their probe.
The explosions in Shibpur have once again highlighted concerns around safety and political tensions in parts of West Bengal. While the immediate situation has been brought under control, the incident has left residents shaken.
With investigations ongoing and political accusations surfacing, more clarity is expected in the coming days as authorities work to identify those responsible.
