West Bengal: Shootout In Howrah Amid Post-poll Violence; Multiple Bombs Explode In Succession, Shots Fired

Kolkata: A wave of violence continues in West Bengal following the results of the Assembly elections. Reports have now emerged of an explosion in a slum area within the Shibpur locality of Howrah. It is reported that several crude bombs exploded on Thursday, triggering panic and chaos across the area. Several people are said to have sustained injuries in this incident. Following the event, a heavy police force and teams from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed to the scene.

🚨West Bengal Election Outrage

Fire breaks out at TMC party office in Jamuria's Churulia area on May 4, 2026.

Thick smoke and flames engulfed the building amid post-poll tensions.

Police have launched an investigation. No casualties reported so far pic.twitter.com/uauxPYvwXB

— Ramesh Tiwari (@rameshofficial0) May 4, 2026

Wat happened in Shibpur locality of Howrah?

According to local residents, the explosions were so powerful that bricks were sent flying into the air, and people began running in all directions in a desperate bid to save their lives. Information suggests that Manoj Khan, a leader of the BJP's Minority Cell, was the primary target of this bomb attack. Capitalizing on the ensuing chaos, miscreants also attempted to vandalize nearby shops. Locals claim that approximately seven crude bombs exploded, and shots were fired on two separate occasions.

Meanwhile, upon receiving information about the incident, the local police station force rushed to the spot, brought the situation under control, and transported the injured to a nearby hospital. Officials stated that security has been heightened across the entire area, and a substantial police force has been deployed. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.

🇮🇳⚡️5 Bomb blast in Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal, 2 BJP workers injured, Accused: Shamim Ahmad, TMC Councillor's husband, Shamim Ahmad was previously arrested by the NIA.

Section 144, Massive force deployment pic.twitter.com/RRadDd8NcU

— War Flash (@WarFlash_2630) May 7, 2026

What is the effect of this incident?

It is pertinent to note that this incident occurred just a few days after the declaration of the West Bengal Assembly election results. Since the results were announced on May 4, numerous incidents of violence have been reported across the state. On Wednesday night, in the Madhyamgram area of ​​the North 24 Parganas district, Chandranath Rath—the Personal Assistant (PA) to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari—was shot dead by unidentified assailants. Reports indicate that the attackers arrived on a motorcycle, shot the victim at close range, and then fled the scene.

Significantly, the rising incidents of violence in the state have also intensified the political rhetoric, with the BJP directly accusing the TMC of being responsible for these events. The BJP alleges that the TMC has fostered a 'mafia culture' and 'Mahajungle Raj' in the state. BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated that for the past 15 years, TMC workers have been targeting BJP leaders and cadres following the declaration of election results. The BJP has also demanded that the Governor and the Election Commission take cognizance of these incidents. Currently, tension persists in the Shibpur area, and the police are investigating the matter.