Jharna and Sumana Mandi, wife and daughter of CPM leader Launcho Mandi, were doused with petroleum and set on fire on Sunday evening. The victims were rushed to the Chinsura Imambara Hospital where the child succumbed to her injuries. The condition of the mother is still critical.

The incident has led to widespread agitation in the area and the CPM organised a rally on Monday. The party has also called a 12-hour bandh on Tuesday as a mark of protest.

The attacks were allegedly carried out by the supporters of the Jharkand Dishom Party and an FIR was lodged against five people believed to be responsible for the attacks.

Hooghly Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra said: “We have arrested Laltu Hemron, a resident of Launcho’s village. We are still investigating the case though.” Launcho, a member of the panchayat samiti in Goborada, was not at home when the incident occurred. His wife and child along with a relative were at home when they were attacked and set on fire. The relative also sustained injuries.

The Hooghly district president of the Jharkhand Disham Party, Lakhi Kanta Hazra, denied the involvement of his party members in the incident. “The CPM is spreading lies to tarnish our image. We have been working extensively with locals and tribals here and they do not want us to be popular,” said Hazra. He added that the arrested person was not a member of his party.

He also claimed that the alleged attack was actually an accident. “We have visited the spot and spoken to the DSP. The injured woman has given inconsistent statements,” he said.