WB Panchayat polls: 3 killed, several injured following sporadic violence
In a shocking turn of events, 3 people were left dead in the ongoing West Bengal Panchayat polls, amidst brutal violence between rival party members. Reports alleged TMC supporters hurled crude bombs that killed CPI(M) supporter Taibur Gayen, while Arif Gazi, a TMC worker was shot dead in South 24 Parganas district. Several people, including 5 local journalists, were injured, following booth capturing reportedly by TMC workers.
BJP supporters attacked and slapped, allegedly by TMC workers
Earlier in the day, BJP supporter in Bilkanda was severely injured after TMC workers allegedly attacked him with a knife. He is undergoing treatment. Further, ANI video report also showed West Bengal Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh slapping a BJP supporter in Cooch Behar. "It signifies that culture of political violence under TMC, it is an alarming sign for democracy," asserted BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.
Watch the video here
WB police find "hundreds of crude-bombs" in TMC strongman's backyard
Even yesterday, WB police while trying to hunt Trinamool Congress strongman accused of murder, unexpectedly unearthed hundreds of crude bombs in the accused's backyard. Police were searching former lawmaker Arabul Islam's home in Bhangar, 25km from Kolkata when they found the bombs. The supporter of an independent candidate died when some people opened fire at a campaign rally. Islam was arrested.
Meanwhile, 26.28% voter turnout recorded till 11 am
Until 11 am, 26.28% votes were recorded in the Panchayat polls that started at 7 am today and will go on until 5 pm. Ballot papers are being used instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Over 1.5 lakh security personnel, half of whom are armed, are deployed. Panchayat polls are the last major polls for WB before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.
