At least three incidents of alleged post-poll violence were reported from Murshidabad, Malda and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal, with police on Friday initiating investigations into assaults and clashes linked to political rivalry following the Assembly polls.
In Murshidabad, a CPI(M) polling agent, identified as Ruhul Amin, was allegedly attacked on Thursday night at Lochanpur under Islampur police station limits.
According to party sources, Amin was assaulted at a tea stall by a group allegedly led by a Trinamool Congress (TMC) regional functionary after he stepped out of his house.
“He was beaten up in public and threatened with death,” a family member alleged, adding that he was later rescued and taken to safety.
The CPI(M) claimed that police did not act immediately despite a complaint being lodged. The party’s candidate from Raninagar Assembly constituency subsequently approached the Superintendent of Police, following which officers visited the spot.
Allegations also emerged that portions of CCTV footage from the tea stall had been deleted, though there was no official confirmation.
In Malda district, a BJP mandal president, Mahananda Mondal, was allegedly attacked by suspected TMC workers on Thursday afternoon in the North Balupur area of Ratua.
Also read: Five injured in post-poll clashes in Kolkata's Behala
BJP leaders alleged that Mondal was stopped on the road and assaulted with bricks. He was later admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Senior BJP leader Khagen Murmu visited him at the hospital.
Murmu alleged, “The TMC could not resort to violence during polling due to the presence of central forces. Now they are targeting our party workers. We have informed the police.” The TMC denied the allegations, calling them baseless.
In North 24 Parganas, police said five persons were injured, two of them seriously, in a clash between TMC and BJP workers at Dulduli Kakpara under Hingalganj police station limits.
Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, with police attributing the clash to political rivalry. One supporter from each party was among those held.
“Reports of scuffles and intimidation have come in from various parts of the state. We have taken note of them. Our officers have initiated probes, and those behind such incidents will be dealt with strictly,” a senior police officer said.
The two-phase Assembly polls concluded on Wednesday with a voter turnout of 92.84 per cent, the highest recorded in the state, with results scheduled to be announced on Monday.
Follow us
