Unidentified assailants target election worker’s vehicle in late-night attack
Key Points:
– Attackers set Independent candidate’s aide’s car on fire near Garhwa
– Victim Anand Vishwakarma escapes unharmed after threat on his life
– Candidate calls for immediate police action and security for his aide
GARHWA – In a disturbing incident late Sunday night, unidentified assailants set fire to a car belonging to Anand Vishwakarma, an aide of Brahmdev Prasad, an Independent candidate from Vishrampur Assembly constituency.
The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near Kundrahe turn in Garhwa’s Bardihha police jurisdiction. Vishwakarma had been returning to Manjhiaon after campaigning in Kandi and stopping for dinner at his ancestral village of Bardihha when the attack happened.
According to Vishwakarma, a man flagged him down near the turn, and moments after he stopped, two others approached, threatening him with arson and violence. Sensing danger, Vishwakarma managed to escape before the attackers set his vehicle on fire, which was completely destroyed by the blaze.
Immediate Political Response and Police Involvement
After learning of the attack, Brahmdev Prasad, the Independent candidate, arrived at the scene, condemning the incident as a politically motivated act and calling it a conspiracy by rivals.
Prasad expressed concern for his supporters’ safety, particularly in the tense election season. “This is a deliberate attempt to intimidate our campaign and create fear among our workers,” he said, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators.
Prasad also contacted Garhwa Superintendent of Police to report the attack, requesting immediate action to apprehend the attackers and additional security for his aide. Local law enforcement has launched an investigation into the incident and is pursuing leads to identify the culprits.
Rising Tensions Amid Election Campaigning
This incident has heightened political tensions in the area, as candidates and their supporters navigate increasing threats. Supporters of Prasad expressed outrage over the attack, calling for immediate police intervention to ensure the safety of campaign workers.
"This incident sends a chilling message to political supporters," noted a local resident, reflecting community concerns over campaign-related violence.
