Violence mars West Bengal municipal polls, 1 dead
Widespread violence, including destruction of EVMs (electronic voting machines), capturing of booths, bombings, intimidation with firearms, were reported from all over south Bengal, particularly in Katwa in Burdwan district as TV footage showed sounds of firing and bombings and people running for cover.
While the opposition pointed the finger at the ruling Trinamool Congress for unleashing terror and capturing booths, reports said a ruling party member died in Katwa.
Firing by anti-social elements were reported from all over West Bengal where the polling is underway.
Media reports said the deceased in Katwa is 30-year-old Indrajit Singh, a TMC member. The fight in Katwa is between Congress and Trinamool Congress.
A total of 74 lakh electorate are eligible to cast their ballots in 1946 wards under the 91 municipal bodies of West Bengal, largely in south Bengal.
A total of 35 companies of central forces have been deployed for the polls amid anticipation of violence.
Results will be declared on April 28.
Earlier on April 18, elections to the high stakes Kolkata Municipal Corporation were held amid reports of sporadic violence, including bullet injury of a policeman, even as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the polling 'peaceful'.
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