TMC claims its workers did not chop off panchayat member's ear, blames 'dirty politics'

Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress on Thursday claimed that no worker of the party was involved in chopping off an ear of a panchayat employee for failing to report to work on day one of the trade union strike at Debipur in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien said, "No TMC worker involved in the incident...we have checked from the village. This person was beaten by the villagers and these allegations are part of dirty tricks of our political adversary."

However, the Left condemn the incident, and termed it as a horrific act. "The people of Bengal know what is happening around and what has happened today is wrong...official position is being used against the democratic principles of India," said CPM leader Sitaram Yechury.

TMC workers allegedly chopped off an ear of a panchayat member for failing to report to work on day one of the trade union strike.

On Thursday, Trinamool Congress workers allegedly chopped off an ear of the panchayat employee. The victim was allegedly attacked by TMC workers when he reported for duty on Thursday. Reports say a section of TMC workers shouting slogans stormed the panchayat office in Debipur to take stock of which panchayat employee did not report for work during day one of the trade unions' strike.

Reports also say the victim said he could not report for work as his house was far from the office and it was difficult for him to reach considering the bandh.

The victim has been admitted to the hospital. However, no formal police complaint has been lodged yet. "They came and started breaking computers and ransacked the office. They attacked me with a knife and in the process mutilated my ear. They were upset because I didn't attend work because of the strike," the victim said.

Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Congress leader Deepa Dasmunsi said, "It is shocking. The West Bengal government could have taken action against the employee, but how can they go to such an extent?" Calling it 'goondaraj' Dasmunsi said, "This is like jungle raj or like the West bengal Governor said goondaraj."

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee had warned the state government employees against being absent from work during the two-day Bharat bandh.

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