West Bengal: 9 poll violence cases, 186 arrests

Over 1.23 crore voters, including 60.07 lakh women, exercised their franchise in 16,642 polling stations in the fifth phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal to decide the fate of 349 candidates, including 43 female. Among 49 seats, 31 are in South 24 Parganas, four are in Kolkata South and 18 are in Hooghly.

West Bengal ADG (law and order) Anuj Sharma said there were nine specific cases of violence during poll hours.

“A total 186 arrests were made across the three districts today. Out of 186 arrests, 177 were preventive arrests. Nine persons were arrested in specific cases. Besides this, six crude bombs were recovered from the city,” Mr Sharma said.

According to the political parties, polling in the fifth phase was by and large peaceful compared to the earlier phases. The polling in four constituencies of Kolkata South was peaceful with people exercising their franchise without any fear.

So far, voters in 269 of the total 294 constituencies have exercised their franchise in the first five phases. Polling for the sixth and final phase of the Bengal Assembly elections in the remaining 25 constituencies will be held on May 5.