Post-Poll Violence Erupts in West Bengal Amid High Voter Turnout
Incidents of Violence Reported
An image of polling in West Bengal (Photo: @CrpfWest)
Kolkata, May 1: Following the recent elections, several reports of alleged violence have surfaced from the districts of Murshidabad, Malda, and North 24 Parganas, leading to police investigations, as confirmed by officials on Friday.
In Murshidabad, a polling agent for the CPI(M), Ruhul Amin, was reportedly assaulted on Thursday night in Lochanpur, within the jurisdiction of the Islampur police station. Party sources indicate that Amin was attacked at a tea stall by a group allegedly led by a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) member.
According to family members, Amin was attacked shortly after leaving his home. A relative claimed, “He was beaten in public and threatened with death,” adding that he was later rescued and taken to safety.
The CPI(M) accused the police of initially failing to act despite a formal complaint. However, after the party's candidate from the Raninagar Assembly constituency contacted the Superintendent of Police, officers arrived at the scene. There are also allegations that some CCTV footage from the tea stall was deleted, although officials have not verified this.
In a different incident in Malda district, BJP mandal president Mahananda Mondal was reportedly attacked on Thursday afternoon in the North Balupur area of Ratua. BJP officials claimed that Mondal was ambushed on the road and struck with bricks, leading to his hospitalization at Malda Medical College and Hospital.
Senior BJP leader Khagen Murmu visited Mondal in the hospital and accused the TMC of targeting their workers after being unable to engage in violence during polling due to the presence of central forces. The TMC has dismissed these claims as unfounded.
Additionally, in North 24 Parganas district, clashes between TMC and BJP supporters resulted in injuries to at least five individuals, two of whom sustained serious injuries, at Dulduli Kakpara under Hingalganj police station. Police reported that two individuals, one from each party, were arrested in connection with the altercation, which they attributed to political rivalry.
A senior police official stated that reports of scuffles and intimidation have been received from various regions of the state. “We are aware of these incidents. Investigations are ongoing, and strict measures will be taken against those responsible,” the officer remarked.
These incidents follow the conclusion of the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections on Wednesday, which saw a remarkable voter turnout of 92.84 percent. With results expected to be announced on Monday, political tensions remain elevated throughout the state.