Raiganj, April 15 -- Several huts were damaged and standing maize crops destroyed when a helicopter carrying BJP West Bengal state president Samik Bhattacharya attempted to land at a temporary helipad at Sahapur football ground in Goalpokhar, North Dinajpur district, on Tuesday afternoon.

According to local sources, the helicopter's powerful downdraft created storm-like conditions, blowing away tin roofs of nearby huts and flattening crops in adjoining fields. Residents reported significant financial losses, while some families narrowly escaped injury as debris scattered across the area.

The helipad had been set up for an election rally where Bhattacharya was scheduled to campaign in support of BJP candidate Sarjit Biswas. Actor-turned-politician Mithun Chakraborty was also expected to attend but did not arrive due to illness. Bhattacharya reportedly reached the venue nearly three hours behind schedule.

The incident quickly triggered a political controversy. Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Gulam Rabbani visited the affected area and criticised the BJP leadership, alleging negligence and insensitivity. Rabbani said: "BJP leaders damaged huts and crops, yet failed to even meet the affected families. One house lost its tin roof entirely and the occupants had a narrow escape." He added that due to the Model Code of Conduct, he was unable to provide direct assistance but had urged the Block Development Officer (BDO) to extend necessary relief. He also demanded an administrative probe into how permission for a helipad was granted in such a congested locality.

Salem Ali, a farmer of the region, said: "Our maize field was affected severely by the storm-like wind from the helicopter. We incurred huge losses. "

Responding to the allegations, BJP leader Tapas Biswas stated that the party had expressed regret through public announcements during the rally and said: "We conveyed our apologies to the affected families from the stage. After the Model Code of Conduct is lifted, we will definitely support them".

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.