Jalpaiguri, West Bengal: Amidst the ongoing crisis caused by severe flooding in North Bengal, another Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament has come under attack, further escalating political tensions in the region. The incident occurred while the MP was visiting flood-affected areas to oversee relief efforts, with the BJP alleging a "conspiracy" behind the assault.
Khagen Murmu, a two-time MP from North Malda, sustained serious injuries after being attacked by locals with stones while visiting flood-affected areas in Jalpaiguri. According to eyewitnesses, stones were pelted at Murmu's car, leaving him with severe head injuries. Visuals from the scene showed the MP bleeding profusely, with his face and clothes soaked in blood. Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh was also attacked in the incident.
The BJP has strongly condemned the attack, accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the violence and targeting party leaders engaged in relief work. BJP IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya shared a video of the injured MP on social media, stating that Murmu, a respected tribal leader, was attacked by TMC goons while on his way to Nagrakata to help with relief and rescue efforts. He further alleged that the TMC and state administration were missing in action while Mamata Banerjee was dancing at her Kolkata Carnival.
The TMC has denied any involvement in the attack, with state general secretary Kual Ghosh suggesting that villagers were expressing anger at BJP leaders touring the areas for "photo opportunities". Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged people to exercise restraint and said that it was unfortunate that PM chose to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the attack "appalling" and criticized the law and order situation in West Bengal. He expressed hope that the state government and TMC would be more focused on helping people rather than indulging in violence.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and protests, with the BJP demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. The Lok Sabha Speaker has sought an urgent report from the West Bengal government regarding the attack. The Calcutta High Court has also sought a report from the state government and directed the police to submit the case diary pertaining to the assault.
As of Wednesday, October 16, 2025, police have arrested six people in connection with the attack. The arrested individuals have been identified as Etwa Oraon, Govind Sharama, Akramul Haque, Sahanur Alam, Tofayel Hossain and Mannan Sarkar. Police have stated that they are continuing to investigate the incident and will arrest anyone else involved.
The attack on the BJP MP comes amid severe flooding in North Bengal, which has claimed at least 23 lives and displaced hundreds of residents. The incessant rains triggered flash floods and landslides in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and surrounding areas. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been carrying out rescue operations, evacuating people from affected areas.
The incident has further strained relations between the BJP and TMC, with both parties trading accusations and engaging in a war of words. The BJP has alleged that the TMC is creating an atmosphere of terror and division in North Bengal, while the TMC has accused the BJP of politicizing the natural disaster.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, another BJP MP, Raju Bista, claimed that his convoy was attacked while passing through Masdhura area in Darjeeling, prompting the police to start an investigation.
