An 81-year-old man died in West Bengal’s Howrah district on Wednesday after he was allegedly assaulted by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), according to claims made by the Trinamool
Congress (TMC).
The incident was reported from Udaynarayanpur, further intensifying political tensions during the ongoing election period in the state.
The claim comes alongside other accusations by party leaders regarding the conduct of forces deployed during polling.
Earlier today, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghosh alleged that central forces baton-charged civilians, including women and a child, near a polling booth in South 24 Parganas.
In a social media post, she described the incident as “unbelievable violence,” claiming that personnel continued to use force even after targeting women, and that a child was also injured in the process.
She demanded accountability, stating that those responsible must face legal action.
Ghosh also targeted the Centre, criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging such incidents were happening under their watch.
EC VERSION: ACTION AFTER CROWD REFUSED TO DISPERSE
News agency PTI quoted a senior Election Commission (EC) official as saying that the security forces resorted to a lathi-charge in the Belsingh area of Falta in South 24 Parganas after a group of people allegedly attempted to influence voters.
“After repeated appeals to disperse, the forces took action to disperse the crowd and detained two persons in connection with the incident,” the official said.
However, protesters contested this version, claiming the baton charge was unprovoked and that several women standing in a queue outside booth number 186 were injured.
They further alleged that a child accompanying his mother suffered head injuries.
Reacting to the developments, TMC Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra, in an indirect remark, described the security personnel as “Amit Shah’s army of butchers,” accusing them of targeting even innocent civilians during polling.
The Election Commission has sought a detailed report on the incident.
Officials have stated that if injuries to the child are confirmed and any wrongdoing by security personnel is established, appropriate action will be taken.
The developments come amid heightened political activity and tight security deployment in poll-bound areas of West Bengal.
A special police observer has been deployed in sensitive constituencies to ensure free and fair voting.
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