Post-poll clashes prompt central forces' extended stay in Bengal
Political turmoil persisted in many regions of Bengal even after the Lok Sabha elections' final phase ended on June 1.
Reports of post-election violence started to come in from all throughout the state with just a few hours till the counting was supposed to start. Following Tuesday's counting, the Election Commission reportedly decided to maintain the presence of armed police forces in the state for a minimum of 15 more days due to the violence.
The state will host about 400 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) until June 19, according to a Monday announcement from the EC. The main purpose of the central forces, according to an EC official, would be to prevent conflicts in sensitive locations.
Tension erupted in Sandeshkhali on Monday after a number of women, primarily BJP supporters, claimed that police had been abusing their power and torturing them at the behest of the Trinamool Congress leadership.
The ladies had taken to the streets, accusing crooks posing as police officers of nighttime crimes. On the island, prohibition orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been enforced in 17 gram panchayats, including Sarberia, which has turned into the most heated place since election day.
A police attempt to raid BJP leader Amay Bhunia's home in relation to violence before to the election caused tension. Conflict erupted when locals, mostly women, built a defense wall to stop the police from executing the raid.
"Police are creating tension to make passage for the goons," stated BJP leader Archana Majumdar, who organized the ladies to protest the alleged police crimes. Majumdar visited the island on Sunday.
On Sunday night, there was fighting between BJP and Trinamool supporters in the Bidhan Pally region of Chinsurah in the Hooghly district. The BJP claimed that its supporters had been beaten up by BJP members.
Allegedly, BJP supporters in the region assaulted the homes of Trinamool workers as payback. The situation was under control thanks to the cops.
Two sacks full of explosives were found in the Murshidabad district's Raninagar neighborhood on Monday.
Supporters of Trinamool were accused of severing the water pipelines leading to the residences of BJP members in Gosaba. The BJP said that thieves near Trinamool broke the water pipes at Hazaripara in Amtali gram panchayat, Gosaba, just after the election.
The claims have been denied by Trinamool.
On Sunday night, there were reports of attacks on ISF supporters by Trinamool supporters in Kultali. Trinamool supporters in Bhangar were allegedly beaten up by ISF activists.
Two Trinamool workers were beaten up by ISF supporters in Kashipur.
According to the ISF leadership, Trinamool had brought at least 100 criminals into the Kasipur region, sparking a fight during which a few explosives were also thrown. Five bikes have been confiscated by the police, and one ISF supporter has been detained.
