Birbhum sees record turnout at 91.55pc, 1 voter dies of heart attack

Polling across Birbhum district on Wednesday was largely peaceful, with a few isolated incidents reported, even as voter turnout reached an unprecedented level of 91.55 per cent in the district. However, an elderly voter died of a heart attack in Siuri while on his way to cast his vote.

Birbhum, which has witnessed disturbances during previous elections, saw comparatively fewer incidents this time across its 11 Assembly constituencies.

Advertisement

The deceased, Ashim Roy (64) of Dangalpara, collapsed while proceeding to cast his vote at Ward 10 in Siuri Municipality. He was declared dead after suffering a heart attack.

In another incident, an election agent of BJP candidate Debashish Ojha, Biswajit Mondal, sustained a serious head injury at booth number 288 in Bhramarkol Gram Panchayat under the Labhpur Assembly seat. He alleged that TMC supporters attacked him with rods and lathis and also vandalised his car. Police later rescued him and he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. A report on the incident was sought by the Election Commission of India.

Tension flared in Khoyrasole block under the Dubrajpur Assembly constituency at booth number 65 in Budhpur village, where locals alleged that the EVM malfunctioned for a prolonged period. Agitated TMC supporters reportedly clashed with police and central forces, hurling stones and bricks. Several state police personnel and CAPF jawans were injured. In response, police reportedly warned the mob that they would open fire if the situation escalated further. Polling at the booth was briefly suspended before additional central forces were deployed and voting resumed.

Police maintained a close watch on several TMC leaders across the district during the day. Anubrata Mondal cast his vote along with his daughter Sukanya Mondal in Bolpur and remained at the local party office thereafter.

In Veramari village under Illambazar, a man allegedly attempted to enter a polling booth and snatch the EVM machine but was overpowered by central forces and handed over to the police.

TMC leader Hafizul Sheikh alleged that Central forces had intimidated voters and imposed excessive restrictions at polling booths. Meanwhile, reports of minor clashes between TMC and BJP supporters also emerged from parts of Labhpur.