Tension prevails across Sonamura subdivision of Gomati district on Sunday after violent clashes and road blockades erupted following the death of BJP worker Ashish Pal. Large number of BJP workers went amok and vandalized the party offices of the CPI (M) and Congress. Four police vehicles were also damaged by the agitated workers in presence of the former Union Minister of State Pratima Bhowmik and the minority leader Billal Miah.

BJP worker Ashish Paul succumbed to death at GB Hospital due to his critical head injuries sustained during a confrontation between two parties BJP and CPI (M) on the day of Panchayat election counting at Kathalia block on August 12.

On the day of counting, a fight between two parties injured 25 persons, mostly BJP members. Among them, Ashish Paul's condition was serious and on Sunday, he succumbed to death at the GB hospital. After his body reached Sonamura town, party supporters paid homage to their colleague. A funeral procession with a large number of BJP support, including former MoS Pratima Bhowmik and BJP leader Billal Miah participated.

Suddenly, a group of agitated BJP workers attacked the Congress and CPI(M) offices one after the other in presence of senior party leaders. The police intervention brought the situation under control. Although many police personnel were present at the spot, initially the police could not do anything.

While, Pratima Bhowmik speaking with media persons, accused CPI(M) leader Abdul Kashem of leading the attack on Paul and alleged that CPI(M) supporters assaulted BJP workers with bottles and bricks in the presence of police. Bhowmik challenged that BJP would ensure a win in every polling booth in future elections. The situation remains tense and to defuse the tension a large number of security forces were deployed.