Rupa Ganguly, other BJP leader stopped from visiting Pingla blast 'epicentre'

Pingla (WB): Actor-turned-BJP leader Rupa Ganguly on Friday visited Pingla in West Midnapore district where 12 persons had been killed in a firecracker unit blast on May 7.

Ganguly, who was accompanied by West Bengal BJP leader Jaiprakash Majumder, was however prevented to visit the epicentre of the blast - Brahmonberia under Pingla police station where the cracker unit was located.

"This shows the autocratic attitude of the state administration who are not allowing us to meet the people of village in a democrcy. While there seems to be no rule of law in state, the government believes in force and coercion," an agitated Ganguly said after having some argument with policemen who prevented them.

Twelve persons were killed and four others injured in an explosion at an illegal firecracker factory at Pingla on May 7. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had ordered a CID investigation into the incident.

Opposition Left Front and BJP have alleged that a bigger terror network was operating there and the state government was trying to hush up the matter.