As the voting for the crucial three-tier West Bengal panchayat elections are underway amid tight security cover, violence and vandalism were reported from several parts of the state.
In the latest incident, a person identified as Abdullah Ali in Kadambagachi of North 24 Parganas in Murshidabad district was killed. According to police officials, Ali was a supporter an Independent candidate and he was beaten up overnight. Another death was reported in Murshidabad district's Beldanga. The person was identified as Babar Ali, a TMC worker.
At least nine people were killed in violence relating to the elections. Among those killed were five TMC members, and one worker each of the BJP, CPI(M) and Congress, and the supporter of an Independent candidate, said officials.
"This is not an election, this is death. There is a fire of violence across the state. Central forces have not been deployed. CCTVs are not operating. This is not voting but loot...This is the collusion of TMC goons and Police and that is why so murders are happening," West Bengal leader of opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikar was quoted by ANI.
Locals protested against the klling by blocking the Taki Road in the early hours. However, they were removed by the police later.
The brother of a TMC leader was killed in a clash with Congress supporters in Malda district, said officials. The incident happened in Jisharattola in Manikchak police station area. The deceased was identified as Malek Sheikh.
The Trinamool Congress on Saturday claimed that three of the party workers have been “murdered” in violence.
Since the polls were announced on June 8, the widespread violence that broke out in the state has claimed around 18 lives.
“Three of our party workers have been murdered in Rejinagar, Tufanganj and Khargram and two have been left wounded from gunshots in Domkol. West Bengal BJP, West Bengal CPI(M) and West Bengal Congress have been clamouring for the deployment of Central Forces. So, where are the Central Forces when they are needed the most?...” tweeted TMC.
“This signals a colossal failure on their part to ensure the safety and security of the people, before the polls have been commenced,” they added.
Also, a polling booth in Baravita Primary School in Coochbehar's Sitai was vandalised and ballot papers were set on fire.
BJP polling agent Madhab Biswas was allgedly killed in Falimari gram panchayat in Coochbehar district, said officials.
Police conducted a search operation in South 24 Parganas district on receiving information of bombs and weapons being found. However, the Police did not find any bombs.
TMC alleged that the central forces security personnels were causing hindrance in the polling process. "A BSF personnel was chased away by angry villagers in Gitaldaha-II in Cooch Behar after he tried to obstruct the polling process and create chaos," said TMC leader Partha Pratim Ray in a video.
Just ahead the polls on Friday night, a house was vandalised in Murshidabad in the clashes between the TMC and Congress workers.
Despite the central forces and state police deployed in the polling booths the violence occurred in several areas. Earlier the Calcutta High Court had ordered the deployment of central forces to all polling booths on the voting day.
Reportedly, over 65,000 central police personnel and 70,000 state police personnel have been deployed. A total of 2.06 lakh candidates are in the fray for elections to 73,887 seats.