Asish Paul, a BJP worker injured in an attack during panchayat election counting in Tripura's Sepahijala district, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. The attack occurred on August 12 at Kathalia, where Paul was among a group of 12 BJP workers targeted by assailants.
Paul was initially taken to GBP Hospital in Agartala for treatment. Despite medical intervention, he died from his injuries, confirmed Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Law & Order, Ananta Das.
Following Paul's death, residents of his native village staged a protest at Sonamura, blocking a key road. The blockade was lifted after police assured prompt action against the perpetrators.
Pratima Bhoumik, former union minister and a senior BJP leader, pledged to seek justice for Paul’s family. She condemned the attack, alleging it was carried out by around 30 CPI(M) affiliates.
“I will ensure that all those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice,” Bhoumik declared.
She censured CPI(M) for its past tactics and vowed to prevent them from securing any seats in the local panchayat elections.
In a related incident, Badal Shil, a CPI(M) candidate, was reportedly killed by BJP supporters in Rajnagar on July 13, highlighting the ongoing political violence in the region.
