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West Bengal: BSF writes to SEC

The West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) has pledged to investigate allegations of vote tampering and reach a conclusion on potential re-polling. This assurance follows the submission of observations and reports from observers and returning officers. However, the Border Security Force (BSF) has expressed its concerns to the SEC in a letter, stating that despite their request, no information regarding sensitive booths was provided by the poll body. The BSF emphasized that incidents of violence were reported in various parts of the state where local police were deployed. They added that if they had been provided with a proper list of sensitive areas, the deployment of central forces would have been more efficient.

The death toll resulting from the Panchayat Poll violence in West Bengal on July 8 has risen to 18, with another fatality reported in North Dinajpur. Disturbing incidents such as bombings and gun firings began shortly after the voting commenced at 7 am. Several areas, including Murshidabad, Cooch Behar, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, and Malda, have been severely affected.

These developments highlight the urgency of addressing the allegations of vote tampering and violence in the electoral process, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation and appropriate measures to ensure a fair and secure voting environment.

Bengal SEC Assures Investigation into Poll Violence Complaints and Considers Demands for Re-poll

Bengal State Election Commissioner, Rajiva Sinha, has pledged to thoroughly investigate complaints of vote tampering and carefully assess the possibility of re-polling. Sinha has assured that observations and reports from observers and returning officers will be taken into account to reach a conclusion on these matters.

Sinha highlighted that reports of violent incidents during the polling primarily originated from four districts. In the process of reviewing the election procedure, all the reports will be carefully examined and given due consideration.

The Bengal SEC's commitment to addressing the allegations of poll violence and ensuring a fair electoral process underscores the significance of a thorough investigation and the potential need for re-polling in certain areas.

There were around 1399 complaints received from Barasat which included incidents of miscreants fleeing with ballot boxes.