Bengal: Former MLA Arabul Islam’s Car Attacked With Bombs, Bricks Day After He Quits ISF

Kolkata, August 23, 2026: Former Trinamool Congress MLA and recently resigned Indian Secular Front (ISF) leader Arabul Islam came under attack in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, with crude bombs and bricks allegedly hurled at his car while he was returning home on Saturday night. The incident took place barely a day after Islam announced his decision to leave the ISF, triggering fresh political tension in the violence-prone Bhangar area.

According to police and reports from the area, the incident occurred in the Uriapara area under Polerhat police station in Bhangar. Islam was travelling home after visiting a hospital when his vehicle allegedly came under attack near the road between Uriapara and Middyapara. Two crude bombs were reportedly hurled towards the vehicle, while bricks and stones were also thrown at the car.

The bombs did not strike the vehicle and exploded on the road, while the impact of the brick attack reportedly shattered the car’s glass. Islam and his driver managed to leave the area quickly and were not reported to have sustained injuries.

Islam has alleged that the attack was carried out by people associated with the ISF. He specifically blamed the political camp led by ISF MLA Naushad Siddiqui, claiming that he was targeted because of his decision to leave the party. However, the allegation has not been independently established, and police have not yet confirmed the identity or political affiliation of those responsible for the attack. The ISF had not publicly responded to the allegation at the time of the latest reports.

Police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and began an investigation. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area in an effort to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack. No arrests had been reported in connection with the incident in the latest available reports.

The attack comes immediately after a significant political development involving Islam. On Friday, he announced his resignation from the ISF, both from the party organisation and its primary membership. In his statement, Islam accused the party leadership of authoritarian behaviour and alleged that ordinary people in Bhangar had faced harassment and excesses by sections of ISF workers. He said his resignation was a protest against such alleged activities.

Islam’s exit from the ISF has particular political significance because of his long association with Bhangar politics. He was previously a prominent Trinamool Congress leader in the area and served as an MLA. Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, he left the TMC and joined the ISF, which fielded him from Canning East. He subsequently lost the election.

His political journey has also been closely linked to the longstanding rivalry between the TMC and ISF in Bhangar and surrounding parts of South 24 Parganas. The area has witnessed repeated political clashes and allegations of violence involving supporters of the two parties. The ISF emerged as a significant political force in Bhangar after Naushad Siddiqui won the constituency in the 2021 Assembly election.

The latest incident has therefore renewed concerns over political tensions in Bhangar, particularly at a time when Islam’s departure from the ISF has opened another chapter in the region’s already volatile political landscape.

For now, the central question remains who organised the attack and what prompted it. Police are investigating the incident, while Islam’s allegation against ISF-linked individuals remains a political claim pending confirmation through the investigation.