Six fatalities were recorded during the first three hours of voting in the Bengal panchayat elections.
The ongoing three-tier panchayat elections in West Bengal have been marred by extensive violence, with six deaths reported within the first three hours of voting. The fatalities occurred in Murshidabad, Cooch Behar, East Burdwan, Malda, and Nadia. Numerous clashes have erupted throughout the state, resulting in several injuries, including critical cases, although the exact number is still unknown.
Since the announcement of the panchayat polling dates on June 8, a total of 25 election-related deaths have been recorded. The State Election Commissioner, Rajiva Sinha, was notably absent from his office during the start of voting, prompting significant criticism. After facing substantial backlash, he eventually arrived at his office in Kolkata after 10:20 a.m. without addressing media inquiries.
Instances of widespread ballot box and ballot paper looting, as well as destruction, were reported, particularly in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar districts. In many locations, the absence of central armed forces personnel at polling booths allowed criminal activities to continue unchecked, while state police and polling staff remained passive spectators. The state Election Commission and the police have yet to comment on the violence.
