Attacks, crude bombs, clashes: Bengal polls marred by violence

Violence marred the first phase of Bengal polls as clashes, crude bomb attacks and alleged voter intimidation were reported across districts amid a high-stakes TMC-BJP contest.

In Short

• Humayun Kabir faces protests and vehicle attack in Murshidabad
• BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul's convoy attacked in Asansol
• Election Commission intervenes amid tensions and heavy cop deployment

Clashes, crude bomb attacks and allegations of voter intimidation marred the opening hours of the first phase of West Bengal Assembly polls on Thursday, prompting the Election Commission to intervene. Tensions flared across several districts where polling was underway, as rival party workers clashed, vehicles were vandalised and security forces resorted to the use of force to restore order.

MURSHIDABAD: HUMAYUN KABIR VS TMC

Violence broke out in Murshidabad’s Nowda after Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir faced protests from Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters during a booth visit.

An ex-TMC leader who floated his own party after being suspended, Kabir was swarmed by cadres of his former party shouting “go back” slogans and calling him a "BJP agent".

The situation escalated when Kabir staged a sit-in protest at a clash site. His vehicle was attacked amid the standoff, triggering stone-pelting and vandalism. Central forces resorted to a baton charge to disperse the crowd.

Kabir, who is seeking re-election, accused the ruling party of intimidation and malpractice. "Hooliganism is happening out in the open here. They came to kill me. Why did the police take no action against them?" he demanded.

The ruling TMC denied the charges and condemned the violence. Heavy police deployment followed to prevent further escalation.

The district had already seen tension on the eve of polling after crude bombs were hurled, injuring a woman.

"I had stepped out yesterday to offer Namaz at around 8 pm... I was standing... two boys came and threw a bomb near my foot. Humayun Kabir's party workers have done this," a victim told ANI.

ASANSOL: ATTACK ON BJP MLA'S CONVOY

In Asansol, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul alleged that her vehicle was attacked in Rahmatnagar while she was visiting polling booths.

A large stone was reportedly hurled at the Asansol Dakshin MLA’s car, shattering the rear windshield and injuring her personal assistant and security personnel.

Paul, who was seen sporting a riot gear helmet after the attack, claimed a "large boulder" was hurled at her car.

"The entire back of the car was destroyed, and the glass was completely shattered. By God's grace, neither my security personnel nor I was hurt. However, my secretary, who was sitting at the back, was slightly injured. This cannot be tolerated, as this kind of incident keeps happening," she said.

Police rushed to the spot after the incident was reported. No arrests have been made so far. Paul has urged the Election Commission to probe the alleged security lapse.

DINAJPUR: BJP CANDIDATE ALLEGES ASSAULT

In Dakshin Dinajpur district's Kumarganj, BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar claimed he rushed to a polling booth following complaints of "booth jamming". What happened next looked starlight out of a Bollywood potboiler.

Videos that have now gone viral show Sarkar being chased by a mob. Security personnel attempt to shield him while running through fields, but some men manage to accost and assault Sarkar.

Later, Sarkar claimed he was beaten in the presence of police and that his vehicle was vandalised. Visuals also showed him chasing a person and accusing him of blocking his polling agent.

The TMC countered that Sarkar was trying to create unrest near the booth, triggering protests by locals.

TENSIONS IN COOCH BEHAR

Tempers flared in Cooch Behar district’s Mathabhanga, from where the BJP fielded former Minister of State Nisith Pramanik. Shortly after voting got underway, Pramanik and TMC’s Sablu Barman traded accusations of voter intimidation while their supporters raised rival slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Joy Bangla' near polling booths.

Barman accused Pramanik of trying to influence voters, while the BJP leader dismissed the charge, saying he did not need to "buy votes".

Security forces stepped in to prevent matters from escalating, and no physical clash was reported.

Both leaders later left the area.

The Election Commission has sought detailed reports from officials on the incidents of violence.

West Bengal is witnessing a high-stakes contest between the ruling TMC, seeking a fourth straight term, and the BJP, aiming to unseat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The state witnessed a strong voter participation, recording 78.77 per cent turnout by 3 pm.

The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, with counting on May 4.

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