About 41 nabbed over violence, 571 held ‘preventively’.

MP, 24 April 2026, Kolkata: Phase I polls: Around 41 persons were arrested across the state in specific cases till Thursday evening for their involvement in a few sporadic incidents of violence reported during the first phase of the election. In addition, about 571 persons were apprehended as a preventive measure.

The Election Commission of India said in an evening press conference that no major incidents occurred during Phase I, with reported violence limited to areas outside polling premises.

On Thursday, BJP’s Kumarganj candidate in Cooch Behar, Subhendu Sarkar, was allegedly assaulted by a group of people, though the political affiliation of the attackers remains unclear. Police later arrested five persons in connection with the incident.

At the Asansol South Assembly constituency, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul alleged that her car was vandalised in the Hirapur Police Station area. A police complaint has been lodged.

Tension gripped Nowda in Murshidabad from Thursday morning after Humayun Kabir arrived at the spot, triggering protests allegedly by TMC supporters.

A car in Kabir’s convoy was reportedly vandalised, and the situation escalated as AJUP workers attempted to retaliate. Kabir was later rescued and taken to safety under Central Forces’ cover. Police have arrested nine people in connection with the incident.

In Berhampore, a polling agent of the Congress was reportedly assaulted. The Congress candidate alleged that the TMC was trying to capture the booth in the Pirtala Kantanagar area.

Around 4 pm in Khoyrasol, Birbhum, voters at a polling station alleged EVM tampering, claiming votes were being cast for the BJP despite pressing the TMC symbol. The allegation sparked unrest, with villagers reportedly pelting stones at police and central forces. Several personnel were injured, and three central force jawans were admitted to hospital for treatment.

Till last reports came in, three persons were arrested. Several vehicles were also vandalised. Later, a large contingent of police force resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the violent mob.

In Sainthia, a clash broke out between TMC and BJP. It was alleged that an assistance camp set up by the BJP was vandalised. Police have arrested four persons till evening.

In Labhpur, BJP candidate Debasish Ojha was allegedly assaulted and his car was vandalised.

In Murarai, a clash broke out near a polling station between TMC and Congress workers. A Congress worker reportedly sustained injuries in the clash. The central forces resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the clashing crowd. Later, four people were arrested.