Girl killed in Bengal bomb blast

Kaliganj

A tragic incident marred the Kaliganj Assembly bypoll counting process on Monday, as a nine-year-old girl died in a bomb explosion in West Bengal’s Nadia district. The explosion occurred at Barochandgar, within the jurisdiction of Kaliganj police station, around Monday afternoon, police said. According to officials, the young girl was critically injured when she was allegedly struck by a crude bomb that exploded near her. She later succumbed to her injuries. The police have sent the body for post-mortem examination and are investigating the exact cause of the explosion.

The incident took place even as counting was underway for the Kaliganj Assembly by-election. Authorities have not confirmed whether the explosion was linked to any political activity, but the timing has raised concerns over security during elections. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief over the child’s death. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “I am shocked and deeply saddened at the death of a young girl in an explosion at Barochandgar. My prayers and thoughts are with the family in their hour of grief.”

She further stated that strong and decisive legal action would be taken against those responsible. “Police shall take strong and decisive legal action against the culprits at the earliest,” she added. The incident has sparked outrage across the region, with residents demanding a thorough investigation and justice for the victim. Police have yet to confirm if any suspects have been identified or detained. The investigation remains ongoing.