KOLKATA, Apr 29: Incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from several parts of West Bengal during the early hours of voting in the second phase of the Assembly elections on Wednesday, police said.
The incidents were reported from multiple locations, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala, and Bhangar, triggering tension in affected areas, they added.
In Chapra of Nadia district, a BJP polling agent was allegedly assaulted by “miscreants linked to the ruling TMC,” according to party leaders. The BJP claimed the incident occurred soon after mock polling began at booth number 53.
A senior police officer said the injured person, identified as Mosharef Mir, was admitted to a local hospital for treatment.
BJP candidate Saikat Sarkar alleged that TMC supporters obstructed the polling agent and attacked him, causing head injuries. “A complaint has been lodged with the local police station,” he said, while the TMC has denied the allegations.
The injured agent claimed that around 15–16 individuals attacked him, one of them allegedly carrying a firearm. He further said he was beaten with a rod and collapsed on the spot.
In Shantipur, a BJP camp office in Ward No. 16 was found vandalised on Wednesday morning, with furniture and materials damaged, police confirmed.
In Bhangar, South 24 Parganas, tensions erupted after allegations that an ISF polling agent was stopped from entering a booth. ISF leader Arabul Islam claimed that agents were being intimidated and not allowed to vote freely, allegations denied by the administration.
Voting was also delayed at booth number 140 in Nimtala, where polling had not begun even by 7:30 am, leading to unrest among waiting voters.
An official from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office said reports have been sought from local authorities and instructions issued to ensure free and fair polling without intimidation.
Meanwhile, police warned TMC workers, including Kartik Banerjee, brother of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after they were found gathered near a polling booth, citing rules limiting public assembly around polling stations.
An Uttar Pradesh Police officer, Ajay Pal Sharma, was seen visiting Falta in South 24 Parganas with a convoy in the morning, while heavy deployment of central forces, including RAF units, was reported in Diamond Harbour and Falta to maintain law and order. (Agency)
