Police arrest five for attacking Bengal minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury's convoy

Kolkata, Jul 4 (PTI) The police on Friday arrested five people for their alleged involvement in the attack on the convoy of West Bengal minister and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Siddiqullah Chowdhury, in Purba Bardhaman district, police said.

A group of people, allegedly belonging to a section of the TMC, hurled stones at his vehicle, smashed the windscreen, injuring him on Thursday.

The police lodged a suo motu case in this connection.

"We are probing into the matter. Raids were conducted in the district, and so far, five people have been arrested. We have got evidence of their direct involvement in the attack," a police officer said.

More arrests were expected, he added.

Talking to PTI, the minister of Mass Education Extension and Library Services alleged that it was an attempt to murder him.

"I am fine now. This morning, (senior leader) Firhad Hakim called me, and said that party president Mamata Banerjee has sent him a message that strict action will be taken in this context," said Chowdhury, the MLA of Monteswar.

He alleged on Thursday that there was "an attempt on his life" as a mob, led by local panchayat pradhan Rafiqul Islam Sheikh and belonging to a faction of his party, hurled stones at his vehicle and smashed the windscreen, causing injury to his hand.

Sheikh described the attack as "spontaneous" when locals waved black flags when the minister was passing through the area.

"Local people were upset with the corrupt minister who had done nothing for the people of Monteswar. We had wanted him to hear our grievances, but his convoy tried to speed away, which might have led to some damage to his vehicle. He is staging drama by making wild allegations of attempted murder," Sheikh said.

Police confirmed the black flag protest and hurling of stones at the minister's convoy, and said the crowd was dispersed and the minister was escorted away from the spot by a pilot car after the incident. PTI SCH NN