3 arrested in Bengal's Falta after locals allege violence, arson threat by TMC

Heavy security was deployed in West Bengal's Falta, with central forces personnel stationed at key locations, as residents protested over safety concerns and alleged threats from Trinamool workers.

In Short

• Protesters demanded repoll, central forces deployment in Falta
• Women alleged threats from TMC's Israfil Chowkidar and others
• Repolling underway in 15 booths amid EVM irregularity complaints

Tension escalated in Falta in South 24 Parganas on Saturday as residents took to the streets, alleging intimidation and threats by cadres of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the West Bengal Assembly election counting on May 4. Later, police arrested three people in connection with the allegations.

Protesters demanded a repoll in the area, claiming TMC supporters were issuing threats. They also sought deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across Falta to ensure security.

In response, authorities ramped up security presence. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were stationed at key points, with an armoured CRPF vehicle deployed as a precaution to maintain law and order.

Residents, including several women, voiced concerns over their safety and called for action against those allegedly responsible.

"TMC's Israfil Chowkidar has threatened us that if these people win, they will burn our houses and carry out bloodshed," a woman alleged while speaking to India Today TV.

Another woman claimed they were targeted despite supporting the ruling party. "We had voted for TMC, yet they attacked us. We want him (Chowkidar) to be arrested. We need safety for women," she said.

Another protester alleged that a local TMC leader entered the village with a group on motorcycles and issued threats, warning villagers of possible attacks and killings.

The unrest came as repolling is underway in 15 booths across Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies in West Bengal, ordered by the Election Commission of India following reports of irregularities during the second phase of polling on April 29.

According to Election Commission data till 5 pm, voter turnout stood at 72.50 per cent in Assembly Constituency No. 142 Magrahat Paschim and 72.36 per cent in 143 Diamond Harbour, with an overall polling percentage of 72.43 recorded during the repoll.

Meanwhile, a separate controversy has emerged over alleged irregularities in EVM strongrooms. The TMC has lodged a complaint against a Returning Officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, accusing them of unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers. The facility is currently being used as a strongroom for storing electronic voting machines.

The BJP has also alleged that a strongroom was opened without authorisation, prompting an inquiry in which at least six officials have reportedly been suspended.

Security has been tightened across sensitive areas as authorities aim to ensure peaceful repolling and smooth counting of votes on May 4.

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