Birbhum, Apr 23: Clashes broke out between locals and security personnel in Kharisaol area in West Bengal’s Birbhum district on Thursday after allegations of EVM malfunctioning triggered tension during the final hours of polling in the first phase of the state assembly elections, officials said.
The trouble began at a polling booth under the Dubrajpur Assembly constituency, where electors alleged that votes cast in favour of the TMC were being registered for the BJP, they said.
According to the locals, voting was halted for nearly 30 minutes following complaints of glitches in the electronic voting machines, and protests erupted outside the booth.
The situation escalated after an argument broke out between polling officials and agitated voters, with a section of locals gathering outside the booth and staging a demonstration.
Security personnel, including central forces, intervened to disperse the crowd, following which clashes erupted.
Police and CRPF personnel were pelted with stones, prompting them to resort to mild force to bring the situation under control.
Several personnel of the central forces were injured in the incident, the officials said.
A police vehicle was also damaged during the violence, they added.
Polling was later resumed under heavy security, the officials said, adding that the situation is now under control.
Voting was underway on Thursday in 152 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections.
Polling started at 7 am and is scheduled to end at 6 pm.
The second phase of elections is on April 29 and counting on May 4.
