KOLKATA, Apr 29: Incidents of violence, vandalism and polling disruptions 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, prompting authorities to seek reports and step up security to ensure free and fair polling.
The incidents were reported from Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar. In Chapra of Nadia district, a BJP polling agent, Mosharef Mir, was allegedly assaulted and later hospitalised, with BJP leaders accusing “miscreants linked to the ruling TMC” of the attack, a charge denied by the Trinamool Congress.
BJP candidate Saikat Sarkar claimed the assault occurred after the mock poll began, alleging that TMC supporters obstructed the agent and hit him on the head. The injured agent alleged that 15–16 supporters attacked him, one carrying a gun, and that he was beaten with a rod before collapsing. A complaint has been lodged with the local police.
In Shantipur, a BJP camp office in ward number 16 was found vandalised, with furniture damaged, triggering tension in the locality. In Bhangar of South 24 Parganas district, unrest was reported after allegations that an ISF agent was prevented from entering a polling booth.
ISF leader Arabul Islam alleged that agents were being forced out and voters, especially women, were being obstructed. Meanwhile, voting was delayed at booth number 140 in Nimtala, where polling had not commenced even by 7:30 am, leading to unease among voters.
An official from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office said reports had been sought from field officers, directing them to ensure that polling proceeds without intimidation and that all voters can participate freely.
Separately, police issued a warning to Kartik Banerjee, brother of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and TMC workers gathered near a polling booth, reiterating that no more than four people can assemble at a spot.
Heavy deployment of central forces was reported in sensitive areas such as Diamond Harbour and Falta, with Rapid Action Force units stationed to maintain order. An Uttar Pradesh Police officer, Ajay Pal Sharma, was also seen patrolling Falta with a convoy since morning. (Agencies)
