A day before Ram Navami celebrations, BJP workers on Saturday allegedly beat up a truck driver and his helper as they refused to pay subscription to the Ram Navami organizers at Keranichati in Midnapore town on Saturday.
The victims were admitted to the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) as their condition was critical. A few days ago, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had asked the police in the district administrative review meeting to be alert during Ram Navami celebration as many will try to take out rallies with arms. She had also asked the police to allow the organisations that have been taking out rallies traditionally for the last 12 to 15 years with arms.
But amidst the chief minister’s announcement, BJP workers took out rallies in certain pockets in the district on Friday to mark the beginning of the celebration.
Some BJP workers along with members of the Bajranj Dal took out a rally in the town and they were collecting subscription from vehicles at various places, including Keranichati.
But some truck drivers refused to pay any subscription, which triggered a confrontation. Later, the angered workers beat them up critically. On hearing of the incident, the Kotwali police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
On Friday, BJP workers took out a rally at Contai in East Midnapore and attacked police at a few few points when the latter tried to stop them.
Meanwhile, state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh who will take part in a Ram Navami rally at Kharagpur tomorrow said his party will celebrate the occasion in a grander manner compared to the last time.