Assembly polls: Violence hits Barpeta Burdwan, Bankura districts in Assam and WB during phase 2 of voting

Despite the deployment of heavy security in the state, the second phase of polling for the West Bengal and Assam assembly elections, on 11 April, was marred with violence. 

In Barpeta district of Assam, one person was reported to have been killed, and two others injured as locals clashed with central police forces in Assam. The state recorded 55.3 per cent voting till 1 pm.

Five people were injured after a clash broke out between the CPI (M) and the TMC workers in Jamuria, in Bardhaman district of West Bengal. Of the five injured, one is said to be critical. One of the CPI (M) workers, who was injured in the incident, alleged that three to four workers of the TMC thrashed them with lathis. Two bags carrying bombs were also found in Jamuria district. 

Bankura district was also hit by violence, as crude bombs were hurled by unidentified men on 11 April. No casualties have been reported. Unidentified men were also seen walking about with loaded pistols in their hands.

In another incident, a CPI(M) polling agent was hospitalised after being allegedly attacked by TMC workers at a polling booth in Chandrakona.

Meanwhile, voters were seen queuing up in long lines from the wee hours, showing their eagerness to cast their votes in the state, which is undergoing polls for its 31 constituencies.

A total of 163 candidates, including 21 women, are contesting in 31 seats of West Midnapore, Bankura and Burdwan districts.

--With ANI imputs