Bengal: Angry Mob Throws EVM Into Pond In South 24 Parganas, Sporadic Violence Mars Final Phase Voting

EVM and VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) machine were thrown in water by a mob at booth number 40 and 41 in Kultai in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas.

The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 is underway in eight states and union territories for 57 parliamentary constituencies. Among these seats, voting is also being held in nine constituencies in West Bengal. However, ever since the polling began at 7AM, there have been sporadic incidents of violence in various regions of the state, marring the voting exercise.

In one such incident reported from South 24 Parganas, EVM and VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) machines were thrown in water body by a mob at booth number 40 and 41 in Kultai.  

Following this, the CEO West Bengal posted about the incidents of violence on X saying, "Today morning at 6.40 am Reserve EVMs & papers of Sector Officer near Benimadhavpur FP school, at 129-Kultali AC of 19-Jaynagar (SC) PC has been looted by local mob and 1 CU, 1 BU , 2VVPAT machines have been thrown inside a pond," posts CEO West Bengal." 

"Sector Police was a little behind. FIR has been lodged by Sector Officer and necessary action has been initiated. Poll process in all six booths under the Sector is running uninterrupted. Fresh EVM and papers have been provided to the Sector Officer," the Chief Election Officer said.

Sporadic Incidents Of Violence Mar Lok Sabha Polls In Bengal

As polling began in Bengal, several TMC and BJP workers clashed in various parts of violence-prone Jadavpur and Diamond Harbour constituencies.

Although the ECI claimed that the polling has been peaceful so far, it stated that it received 1,450 complaints until 11 am from different political parties, alleging malfunctioning of EVM and agents being stopped from entering polling booths.

In Jadavpur constituency, clashes broke out between supporters of the TMC, ISF (Indian Secular Front), and the BJP over stopping polling agents from entering the booths.

Another incident was reported which erupted from the confrontation in Bhangar's Satulia area within the Jadavpur constituency between TMC and ISF supporters, where crude bombs were allegedly hurled from both sides.

When the police intervened further protests were triggered as both factions accused each other.

To control the situation, the security personnel had to resort to a lathi charge in order to disperse the mob, recovering several crude bombs.

In Joynagar constituency, angry voters took drastic measures as they hurled EVMs and (VV-PAT) machines into nearby waterbodies. They were agitated as they felt electoral misconduct and were frustrated over perceived voting restrictions, PTI reported.

A local journalist suffered a severe head injury after stone pelting occurred during a clash between TMC and BJP workers in Canning, which comes under Jaynagar constituency in Bengal. He has been taken to Medica Superspecialty Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.

Abhishek Banerjee Responds To Poll Violence In Bengal

TMC's candidate from Diamond Harbour seat, Abhishek Banerjee, commented on the poll violence in South Parganas saying, "I think a clarification has been made from the Election Comission that it was a mock EVM. Although I have not collated the information but I have heard from my block leadership that it was a mock EVM and there is nothing to worry about."

"By and large, voting has been peaceful and I appeal to the people of West Bengal that today is your time to give a befitting reply to this anti-people govt," he added.

Commenting on clash during Lok Sabha elections in Bengal today, BJP MP Dilip Ghosh said, "...TMC is doing al this due to fear of losing, but voting will be completed."