By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday directed authorities to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal after five policemen, including the officer-in-charge of Nazat police station, and a CAPF jawan sustained bullet injuries during a clash in North 24 Parganas district.
The violence erupted hours after results for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly were declared, with the BJP winning 207 seats. Polling in the state was held in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
According to Election Commission of India (ECI) sources, the CEC instructed the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner, senior CAPF officials, district magistrates and superintendents of police to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," sources quoted Kumar as saying.
The firing incident took place in the Rajbari area under Nazat police station in Sandeshkhali on Wednesday night during a clash between supporters of two political parties. Police said armed miscreants allegedly opened fire when security personnel reached the area to control the situation.
Among the injured were officer-in-charge Bharat Prasun Purkayastha, a woman constable and two CAPF jawans. All reportedly sustained bullet injuries to their legs. The OC's condition was stated to be serious.
The injured personnel were shifted to a state-run medical college hospital in Kolkata. Following the incident, a large contingent of state police and central forces was deployed in the area.
On Tuesday, two persons were killed in separate incidents allegedly linked to post-poll violence.
In Howrah district's Debipur area under Udaynarayanpur, BJP worker Jadab Bar, 45, was allegedly beaten to death after attending a celebration programme following the party's victory. Police said he was attacked with iron rods late at night and later declared dead at Udaynarayanpur State General Hospital.
In another incident at New Town in North 24 Parganas, BJP worker Madhu Mondal was allegedly killed by rival political activists.
Meanwhile, a Trinamool Congress supporter identified as Abir Sheikh was allegedly killed by BJP activists in Nanoor area of Birbhum district.
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of orchestrating violence in the state and criticised the Election Commission over the situation.
"The BJP is launching attacks. People are dying and party offices are being captured. This is not good for democracy," Ghosh said.
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya rejected the allegations and accused the Trinamool Congress of attempting to trigger clashes.
"The BJP won't become TMC. We will act against illegal attempts to incite clashes," Bhattacharya said.
The BJP is scheduled to hold its legislative party meeting on May 8 ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of the new government on May 9 at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground.
Authorities have intensified vigil across several districts, with coordinated deployment of state police and CAPF personnel in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation of violence.