Bengal Panchayat Polls: Amid Violence, HC Asks SEC To Deploy Central Forces In All Districts In 48 Hours

The development comes after the SEC filed a review petition in the Calcutta High Court against the order of a Division Bench for the deployment of central armed forces in the state ahead of the polls.

Security forces personnel clear a road that was blocked by miscreants a day after a violent clash broke out between two groups over nomination filing for panchayat polls, in South 24 Parganas.

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Calcutta High Court asked State Election Commission (SEC) to deploy central forces in all districts within 48 hours ahead of the West Bengal panchayat elections that are scheduled to be held on July 8, news agency PTI reported.

This comes after the SEC filed a review petition in the Calcutta High Court against the order of a Division Bench for the deployment of central armed forces in the state ahead of the polls. The Calcutta High Court asked the State Election Commission to clarify itself on the deployment of central forces in the panchayat polls. Observing that it is an admitted fact there is sensitivity in places, the high court said that the SEC cannot say that it is trying to identify those areas.

Chief Justice Division Bench of Calcutta High Court ordered the deployment of Central Paramilitary forces in all the districts of the state within the next 48 hours. 

Meanwhile, one person was shot dead and two others were shot at in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district when they were on their way to file nominations for the panchayat elections. According to CPI(M), the deceased and the two others were supporters of the Left Front and the Congress, who were shot at when they were on their way to the Chopra Block office for filing nominations.

Massive violence erupted in Bhangar Block-2 after the timing of panchayat nomination ended at 3pm. Unidentified miscreants bombed and set bikes on fire, as per reports.

Earlier, a clash broke out between two groups in West Bengal’s South 24 Pargana during filing of nomination for the panchayat polls, said the police. The mob also attacked police personnel as well who received minor injuries and were undergoing treatment, they added. Around 18 people have been arrested in connection with the incident and a probe is underway, said Dibakar Das, Canning Sub-Divisional Police Officer, reported ANI.