ISF candidate alleges attack, blocks highway

Kolkata: ISF candidate Arabul Islam was allegedly attacked during a campaign in the Deuli 1 gram panchayat area in Canning East on Tuesday, triggering a two-hour blockade of Basanti Highway.Sources said ISF supporters were putting up party flags in Kaluyakhali ahead of Arabul's campaign. Tension escalated when a group of Trinamool workers reportedly attacked them. When Arabul reached the spot, Trinamool workers charged at him and vandalised his convoy. Twenty motorcycles were damaged.Islam alleged that the attack was led by panchayat pradhan Sajahan Molla at the behest of Shaukat Molla and Trinamool candidate Baharul Islam. In protest, ISF supporters blocked the Basanti Highway at Ghatakpukur crossing. However, Shaukat Molla accused Arabul Islam of assaulting his workers. "Arabul attacked our supporters without provocation," he said.