Post-poll violence rocks West Bengal: Attacks on party workers reported in multiple districts

Violence erupted in several parts of West Bengal following the conclusion of the three-tier panchayat elections.

Allegedly, ballot boxes were tampered with, and targeted attacks were carried out against workers from the BJP, TMC, and Congress. The ruling TMC has been accused of orchestrating the violence.

In one incident, in the Parvatipur Gram Panchayat under the Jagatballavpur constituency of Howrah, unidentified supporters of the ruling party reportedly entered the house of an independent candidate, Sheikh Islam, late at night. They vandalized the property and set it on fire. Sheikh Islam made repeated calls to the police, but claimed that no help was provided. He was severely beaten, and his wife and other family members were also not spared.

A similar incident occurred in Gazole, Malda, where the ballot box was opened and emptied before being taken to the strongroom under the leadership of the local BDO (Block Development Officer). Allegations suggest that pre-stamped ballot papers favoring TMC candidates were placed in the box beforehand. In Uttar Malda, Member of Parliament Khagen Murmu and BJP MLA Chinmay Dev Barman were prevented from entering the area. They were not allowed access.

In Mayureshwar, Asansol, police allegedly resorted to violence and vandalism at the residences of BJP workers until late at night. Today, BJP leaders will visit the homes of these workers.