Union Minister Babul Supriyo Stopped By Police In West Bengal's Asansol

Jamuria, Asansol: In another flashpoint in West Bengal, where elections will be held soon, union minister Babul Supriyo was today stopped by the police from visiting the home of a minor who was allegedly raped and killed in Mr Supriyo's parliamentary constituency Asansol.

The BJP leader was reportedly told by the local police that he could not proceed as prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area, which is tense after the girl's death.

The BJP has alleged that the cops did not have papers to prove that the area is under Section 144, which prohibits the assembly of people.

Members of the ruling Trinamool Congress reportedly clashed with supporters of Mr Supriyo and a stand-off is reported at the spot in Jamuria, about 200 km from Bengal capital Kolkata. Source said negotiations are on to allow only Mr Supriyo to visit the home of the 15-year-old who was killed.

A team of BJP leaders were stopped earlier this month from visiting the state's Malda, where a lakh-strong crowd of protesters set fire to a police station and damaged vehicles of the Border Security Force. The protest was called by a Muslim organisation against comments made by a right-wing activist in Uttar Pradesh.

The BJP has attacked the Mamata Banerjee government over the Malda violence accusing it of sheltering those responsible. Top BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah, have held rallies in West Bengal highlighting the Malda violence.     

In a speech at a rally in Durgapur today, Smriti Irani said, "Wherever Trinamool goons will trouble people, BJP workers will stand in front of Mamata Banerjee. Whenever the police or administration will not give justice to women, BJP workers will stand up for their rights."

She also attacked Ms Banerjee over the death of an Indian Air Force officer who was run over allegedly by the son of a member of her Trinamool Congress. "The Trinamool doesn't have the right to take oath and return to power," Ms Irani said.