Kolkata, May 21 : A crude bomb and a threatening letter were recovered from outside the residence of a BJP leader in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Thursday morning, triggering panic in the area.

According to locals, the incident occurred at Shasina village under Basirhat police station limits, where BJP booth president Anil Baran Mallick resides. Miscreants allegedly took advantage of the darkness during the night and left two crude bombs at the entrance of his house before fleeing.

The matter came to light early on Thursday morning when Mallick opened the door and spotted the explosives. The discovery led to tension in the area as villagers gathered at the spot and informed the police. Locals informed the police about the incident.

Police personnel, along with central forces deployed in the region, rushed to the site and safely removed the explosives. A threatening letter and bottles tied to the balcony grille were also found, which, according to the BJP leader, indicated earlier attempts at intimidation.

Anil Baran Mallick claimed he has been associated with the BJP for nearly two decades and had not faced threats earlier. While he did not name anyone directly, he alleged that political rivalry could be behind the incident.

Anil claimed that the miscreants are angry because he has been working as the BJP booth president for a long time. When asked directly who is behind this, he said, "I have not seen anyone with my own eyes, so I do not want to increase enmity by taking any name. But now, who else but the Trinamool Congress?"

Local BJP workers condemned the incident and demanded enhanced security for Mallick, alleging fear among residents. Police said a case has been registered based on a written complaint, and an investigation is underway. Additional security has been deployed in the area, and route marches are being conducted to restore public confidence.

Bhaskar Chowdhury, a local BJP worker, strongly condemned the incident, saying, "BJP polled a huge number of votes on this booth this time. And because of that, the opposition party, i.e., Trinamool Congress, is angry."

Police are also questioning locals to find out where the bombs were brought from and who entered the house in the middle of the night. The police said that a case has been registered based on a written complaint, and an investigation has been launched. The administration has assured that no one will be spared.

/IANS