Team News Riveting
Kolkata, July 8
Rampart violence couple with poll malpractices and unleashing a reign of terror among workers and voters caught in violence crossfire at multiple political hotspots of the state marred the panchayat elections in Bengal, killing 15 people and injuring scores of others even before the polls drew to a close on Saturday.
At least 24 people among those injured sustained bullet injuries from illegal weapons which were brandished with impunity during the day by politically-sheltered criminals even as the stench of gunpowder from firearms and crude bombs filled the air of rural Bengal.
State election commission figures confirmed a 66.28 per cent voter turnout till 5pm, a comparatively low figure by rural Bengal standards. Although that percentage is likely to go up a bit further after the polls draw to a formal close, political intimidation may have caused a section of voters to stay uncharacteristically indoors.
Armed with sticks and weapons, opposing groups charged at each other resulting in petrifying scenes in Murshidabad. Republic Bangla reporter Pinky, who was reporting from the ground, described how Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Congress cadres came charging at each other after which a TMC worker was allegedly injured. Both parties then pinned the blame on the other for inciting violence.
Malda, which is considered the Congress party’s stronghold because it is a minority-dominated district was most affected as at least 11 people were killed. As many as 15 deaths have been reported across the state since 7 am when the voting began, a television channel said.
Governor CV Ananda Bose visited different areas in North 24 Parganas district, and met people injured in the violence and interacted with voters.
