The first phase of the crucial Bengal polls held on Saturday, with 30 Assembly constituencies in 10,288 polling booths from five districts, was mostly peaceful, but not without some sporadic incidents of violence.
The Telegraph throws light on a few that pock-marked the first day of the state elections that has the whole country riveted.
What: A polling agent of the BJP was allegedly hit on the head in a fight between BJP and Trinamul workers at Begumpur booth, a sequel reportedly to the discovery of the body of BJP worker Mangal Soren near home on Saturday morning, with the BJP claiming it was a planned murder by Trinamul.
Where: Keshiari in West Midnapore
When: 7am on Saturday
Officialspeak: “Our probe says the death of the BJP worker had nothing to do with elections,” said a district official.
What: Sanjukta Morcha candidate Sushanta Ghosh was threatened by alleged Trinamul workers at Chhototara booth and his car severely damaged. Ghosh claimed he was physically assaulted as well in the incident that also left two journalists injured and media vehicles damaged.
Where: East Midnapore’s Salboni
When: 7.30am on Saturday
Officialspeak: “The Election Commission asked for a report. We have arrested one person,” said a police source.
What: Booth 112 near Mejna was surrounded by Trinamul workers who alleged the EVM and VVPAT had been tampered with. “Trinamul votes are going to the BJP,” said a protester. Tyres were burnt in the protest, which lasted three hours.
Where: South Contai
When: 8am on Saturday
Officialspeak: The presiding officer said allegations of tampering were baseless. Voting resumed after a VVPAT was changed under official supervision.
What: Crude bombs were hurled in Trinamul-BJP clashes near the Birbandar booth after a Trinamul worker was allegedly beaten up at 9am.
Where: East Midnapore’s Battala
When: Throughout the day
Officialspeak: Central forces were sent to quell the agitation and assure citizens of peaceful voting.
What: Soumendu Adhikari, Suvendu Adhikari’s brother and fellow turncoat from Trinamul to BJP, was surrounded by Trinamul workers at the Sabajput High School booth for over an hour. His car was damaged and his driver beaten. Four BJP and Trinamul workers were injured.
Where: South Contai
When: Noon
Officialspeak: “Central forces were rushed to bring Soumendu Adhikari out of the situation,” said a source.
What: Trinamul candidate from Purulia Sujoy Banerjee threatened to fire at a BJP worker following a heated exchange.
Where: Purulia town
When: 11am
Officialspeak: Police started a case against Sujoy.
What: Central forces lathicharged to disperse a dozen Trinamul workers approaching a polling booth. Around 10 persons received injuries.
Where: Basantapur village in Purulia’s Bandwan.
When: Around 1.30pm.
Officialspeak: Trinamul lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and a probe has started.
What: Trinamul candidate from Bankura’s Chhatna Subhasish Batabyal was allegedly pushed around and forced out of a polling station after Batabyal was involved in an argument over why the polling agents were not allowed inside the booth.
Where: Bagjuri primary school in Bankura’s Chhatna.
When: 10.30am.
Officialspeak: Administration has started a probe.
What: Central police allegedly ransacked a Trinamul camp office and beat up ruling party workers. Eight persons were injured in the incident.
Where: Vidyasagar Bani Bhavan Primary School, Jhargram town.
When: 1.30pm.
Officialspeak: Trinamul has lodged a complaint and the administration has started a probe.
