(Representational image)

One person was killed and two others were injured in a clash between Congress and TMC workers at Chopra in North Dinajpur district Sunday. State Congress said that the deceased — identified as Samir Alam (42) — was a party worker, and blamed Trinamool workers for his death. The ruling party denied the allegation.

The incident took place in Kamalgach village under the jurisdiction of Chopra police station, according to a PTI report.

Congress workers alleged that a group of TMC workers beat them up Sunday morning, and opened fire when they resisted the attack. Three Congress workers who were seriously injured and rushed to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, said party sources, adding that Alam died at the hospital. The cause of death is not clear yet, police said.

Later, angry party workers blocked a road at Chopra and demanded the arrest of the culprits. They also cricitised the role of police, who they accused of being “mute spectators” during the clash.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Congress MP Adhir Chowdhury said, “The blood thirsty TMC has unleashed a reign of terror in that area for long. While police remain mute spectators, TMC wants to capture that area by hook or by crook.”

“These are baseless allegations aimed at maligning our image in the district. The Congress is fast losing its support base in North Dinajpur district and is trying to win the people’s sympathies by making such allegations,” said a local TMC leader.

No arrests have been made so far. An investigation has been initiated after a suo motu case was registered, a PTI report quoted a police officer as saying.

(With inputs from PTI)