Poll violence in West Bengal: Crude bombs hurled in Murshidabad, several injured

MURSHIDABAD: Crude bombs were allegedly hurled in Naoda in Murshidabad district late on Tuesday night, injuring a woman and triggering panic ahead of polling in the West Bengal assembly elections.A victim of the attack claimed the explosion took place when he had stepped out to offer namaz. “I had gone out around 8 pm to offer namaz. I was standing when two boys came and threw a bomb near my feet,” he said, alleging the involvement of supporters of Humayun Kabir.The bombs were reportedly thrown near Shivnagar Primary School. Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Sahina Mumtaz Khan, who was nearby at the time, escaped unhurt, officials said.TMC MP Abu Taher Khan alleged that workers of Humayun Kabir’s Amjanata Unnayan Party were behind the attack.Security was tightened in the area, with police and central forces deployed. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal said a report has been sought and assured strict action.The incident was part of overnight violence reported from multiple districts before polling began.Tension was also reported from Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar district, a flashpoint during the 2021 polls, where a BJP Kisan Morcha leader was allegedly attacked while returning home. The BJP blamed TMC supporters, while the ruling party dismissed the allegation as staged.In another incident in Domkal’s Raipur village, a CPM worker and his son were attacked late at night. The son sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital. Police said a TMC worker has been detained in connection with the case.Polling is currently underway in 152 constituencies across 16 districts in this phase, with the remaining 142 seats set to vote on April 29. Counting will take place on May 4.