BJP says will follow 'UP model' of encounters to wipe out criminals from Bengal, TMC hits back

Two senior state BJP leaders Monday courted controversy by saying the party would follow the "Uttar Pradesh model" of giving free hand to the police to wipe out criminals in encounters, when it comes to power in West Bengal.

The ruling Trinamool Congress hit back asserting that it would never allow the saffron party to convert West Bengal into a police state.

After we are voted to power, we will ensure that criminals and extortionists will be thrown behind the bars or they will flee. We would follow the Uttar Pradesh model. The police would be given free hand, where criminals will die in encounters if they do not surrender," BJP state general secretary Sayantan Basu said.

It is alleged by political rivals that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh is relying on encounters to maintain law and order in the state.

Basu's view were ecohed by another party general secretary Raju Banerjee.

"We won't tolerate goonda raj and extortion in Bengal. The police would act against them and if needed ..