A minor girl died after sustaining critical injuries during an election campaign procession of the Democratic Trinamool Congress (TMC-D) in West Bengal’s Reginagar Assembly constituency, with the campaign prominently led by Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra. The death has triggered grief locally and a sharp political controversy, with the BJP demanding Mitra’s arrest and ₹50 lakh in compensation for the child’s family.
The incident occurred on Sunday during a campaign procession for TMC-D candidate Shafiu Zaman Sheikh. Mitra was among the prominent leaders participating in the roadshow, which began from Loknathpur under Rampra-1 gram panchayat. Also present were Murshidabad MP Abu Taher Khan, Sheikh and Raghunathganj MLA Mohammad Akhruzzaman.
Child injured amid rush for toffees
According to local accounts, toffees were being thrown from the campaign vehicle as the procession moved through the area. The distribution reportedly attracted a large number of children, who gathered around the vehicles to collect the sweets.
During the ensuing rush, Jesmina, a minor girl, was allegedly hit on the head by a small goods vehicle travelling behind the open-top campaign vehicle. She sustained serious injuries and was taken first to Beldanga Rural Hospital.
She was subsequently referred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in Berhampore and later referred to Kolkata for specialised treatment.
The family took Jesmina to NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Monday, reaching the hospital at around 6pm. Treatment began after her admission, but she died approximately three and a half hours later.
Jesmina’s father, Dulal Mallik, said the family had been devastated by the death and demanded exemplary punishment. “A procession was throwing chocolates. My daughter was injured while trying to pick one up. I had gone to work and returned to find her in pain. She was first taken to a local hospital and then referred to Berhampore and Kolkata. She died shortly after reaching Kolkata. I have lost my daughter and want exemplary punishment for those responsible,” he said.
Her mother, Sumita Begum, also alleged that children had been drawn towards the campaign procession by the distribution of sweets.
“Children were gathered by offering them toffees. My child suffered a serious injury and, after being taken to several hospitals, died in Kolkata. I appeal to the government to ensure that no other mother loses her child in this way,” she said.
BJP demands Madan Mitra’s arrest
The incident has become a political flashpoint, with BJP state minority morcha president Ali Hossain demanding that the Election Commission take action against Mitra and that the victim’s family receive ₹50 lakh in compensation.
“Madan Mitra is an idisciplined leader. Why were chocolates being distributed during the campaign? Adults would not take them; children would. This is not an appropriate way to conduct an election campaign,” Hossain said.
He also demanded that the compensation be recovered from Mitra and paid to the child’s family.
TMC-D candidate Shafiu Zaman Sheikh, whose campaign procession was involved in the incident, has rejected the allegations of political responsibility. He said the victim’s family had not contacted anyone from his party.
“None of our party workers has so far been contacted by the family. The entire matter is being pushed towards us for political reasons so that the Opposition can use it before the election,” Sheikh said.
He further said that visiting the family could itself become a political issue.
“If I visit the house, the Opposition will say that the allegations they are making have been established. The girl's father is speaking to the media, but why has the family not contacted us?” he added.
