Bomb, bullets, bricks fly as Bengal villages vote

Despite strict warning by the Calcutta High Court on poll day violence , rural election in Bengal witnessed casualties , injuries , stealing and destroying of ballot boxes. Instances of hurling bombs at voters and political rivals , inter and intra party clashes , brick-batting , intimidating poll officials were reported across districts in Bengal. In one place, reports of media vehicles being torched also came in.

Panchayat polls are being held today after almost a month of legal battle between the Trinamool Congress government and the Opposition parties .

The court in its order stated that any loss of life or damage to property has to be compensated by the state government . In its order, court also said that the money has to be realised from the salary of government officials concerned.

There are also reports doing rounds that a CPI-M worker couple being burnt to death late last night in Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas. While, allegations have been levelled against Trinamool Congress-backed goons; the ruling party leadership has denied allegations. The area remains tense. A TMC leader, Manturam Pakhira however said that fire at the couple’s house was caused by short circuit.

Allegations of booth capturing and other strong-arm tactics to intimidate voters came in from areas like Bhangar in South 24 Parganas; Egra in Paschim Medinipur, Mohammedbazar in Birbhum, Dinhata in Cooch Behar and so on.

According to sources in Nabanna, reports have been sought from the district superintendent of South 24 Parganas.

TMC Derek O’Brien tweeted, “CPI(M) and BJP are now so desperate that they are even ganging up with Maoists to kill/shoot/stab three Trinamool workers in different incidents in #Bengal today. Deliberately trying to foment trouble. Is this democracy?”