Civic polls in West Bengal have tradition of being violent. The ongoing Municipal polls across the state on Saturday are no exception.
Indrajit Singh, a Trinamool Congress worker was shot dead outside a polling booth in Katwa in Burdwan district this morning soon after the second phase of Bengal municipal polls began across 91 municipalities across the state.
30-year old Singh was shot at point blank range at a polling booth. He died on the spot. District Magistrate Saumitra Mohan confirmed the death and has sought report from the polling officials.
The Trinamool Congress alleged that Singh - a party supporter - was shot dead while trying to prevent booth jamming by a gangster.
At Titagarh, in the North 24 Parganas district, a 55-year old man - Panchu Sonkar - sustained a bullet injury while standing in queue before Andhra Vidyalaya in ward number six. He was taken to the local hospital, where he is now recovering.
We have received reports of the two incidents but are yet to get any confirmation. There have been incidents of violence in various parts of the state where the polls are on. When we receive any report or complaint we ask the appropriate authorities to take action.
– Sabyasachi Ghose, OSD, State Election Commission
A state police official said, shots were also fired at a CPI(M) candidate at a ward in the North Dumdum Municipality area.
22 live crude bombs were also recovered from Chelmore of the Sonamukhi municipality area of Bankura.
People were seen protesting outside the booth in the Hooghly area, alleging that TMC supporters there, were trying to intimidate voters.
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