Tragic incidents of violence marred the three-tier panchayat polls in West Bengal as voting took place on Saturday. According to officials, several individuals lost their lives in election-related clashes across the state.
The polling commenced at 7 am, encompassing 73,887 seats in rural areas, with approximately 5.67 crore people participating to determine the fate of around 2.06 lakh candidates. However, the peaceful conduct of the elections was overshadowed by violent incidents.
In Coochbehar district, BJP polling agent Madhab Biswas was allegedly killed in the Falimari gram panchayat, according to the BJP. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters reportedly hindered Biswas from accessing the polling booth. The situation escalated, resulting in his tragic demise. The TMC, on the other hand, refuted these allegations.
Additionally, a supporter of an independent candidate named Abdullah was fatally beaten in the Kadambagachi area of North 24 Paraganas district. Unfortunately, he tragically yielded to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a nearby medical facility. In response to the killing, locals protested by blocking Taki Road, but the police later dispersed them.
Furthermore, in Murshidabad district’s Kapasdanga area, a TMC worker named Babar Ali lost his life in election-related violence. The ruling TMC also reported the deaths of two workers in Rejinagar and Khargram, both in Murshidabad district and another in Tufanganj, Coochbehar district.
The violence and loss of lives during the panchayat polls underscore the urgent need to maintain peace and ensure participants’ safety in the electoral process. Authorities must take prompt action to investigate the incidents, bring the perpetrators to justice, and strengthen security measures to prevent further violence in future elections.