Jalpaiguri: Swapna Barman, the Asian Games gold medal-winning heptathlete and former TMC candidate from Rajganj, alleged that her house was set on fire amid post-poll violence in West Bengal.
Asian Games champion alleges political targeting
In a Facebook post, Swapna wrote, “They even set my house on fire. Had I known this would happen, I truly would not have entered politics.” Swapna had contested the 2026 Assembly elections from Rajganj on a Trinamool Congress ticket but lost to BJP candidate Dinesh Sarkar by 21,477 votes.
Fire breaks out at old residence
According to reports, the incident took place on Friday evening at around 8:30 pm at her old house in Ghoshpara under Patkata Gram Panchayat in Jalpaiguri district. The house was reportedly vacant at the time. Heavy rain was continuing outside when locals noticed the fire and informed the police and fire services. The blaze was later brought under control.
TMC leaders allege deliberate arson attack
TMC’s Jalpaiguri district president, Mahua Gop, claimed that Swapna called her in tears and alleged that her house had been deliberately torched. She said local party leaders and the Superintendent of Police had been informed about the matter.
BJP MLA denies involvement in incident
Reacting to the allegations, newly elected BJP MLA Dinesh Sarkar denied any involvement. “I am in Kolkata. Someone informed me over the phone. There is nobody in our party who would set someone’s house on fire. Police should conduct a proper investigation,” he said.
Police cite accidental fire possibility
Meanwhile, Jalpaiguri Superintendent of Police Khandbahale Umesh Ganpath said some firewood kept beside the kitchen at the old house may have caught fire accidentally. According to police, a few nearby items were damaged, but the house did not suffer major destruction. An investigation has been initiated into the incident.
