The ongoing bypolls in West Bengal took a tragic turn with the death of Trinamool Congress leader Ashok Sau, who was severely injured in a shootout near the Jagatdal area, close to the Naihati Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district. Sau, a former ward president of Trinamool Congress for Ward 12 in Bhatpara Municipality, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on Wednesday.
Rising Tensions in Naihati
As news of Sau’s death spread, tensions rose in the locality, prompting authorities to deploy a large police force to maintain order. Naihati is one of the six Assembly constituencies where bypolls are underway, adding to the intensity of the situation.
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Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has requested a report from district administration officials regarding the incident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are actively investigating the attack, with Aloke Rajoria, Commissioner of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, stating that CCTV footage from the area is under review. Rajoria note that Sau was target in an attack earlier in 2023, and officials committed to apprehending those responsible for this latest assault.
Complaints and Polling Data
At the time of this report, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal had registered 41 complaints, with 16 originating from the BJP. By 11 a.m., voter turnout in the six constituencies averaged 30.03%. Taldangra led in turnout with 32%, followed closely by Madarihat at 31.86%, Haroa at 31.20%, Medinipur at 30.25%, Sitai at 29%, and Naihati at 25.17%.
This tragedy has cast a shadow over the West Bengal bypolls, as the situation remains tense and law enforcement intensifies its efforts to prevent further violence.
