Agartala, Feb 16, 2023, TRIPURA TIMES Desk
Agartala, Feb 16: While tight security during the polling was the highlight of 2023 Assembly polls, slow voting in many booths across the State kept voters waiting in long queues in booths at Belonia, Kalyanpur and several other areas.
Besides, stray incidences of violence were reported from different areas, especially in Udaipur, Boxanagar, Natunbazar, Dhanpur, Santirbazar, Hrishyamukh and other areas during the polling.
Panic gripped voters in the Shalgara area under the Kakraban Assembly Constituency today after one CPM activist, Amit Kumar Bhowmik, was attacked by BJP supporters. Bhowmik was returning home after casting his vote when alleged BJP activists thrashed him. Bhowmik was rushed to the Gamti District Hospital from where he was referred to GB Hospital in serious condition. Till the last report was available, his condition was stated to be critical.
At Boxanagar, miscreants attacked CPM local Committee secretary Ashish Sarkar with a machete. He sustained severe injuries and is undergoing treatment.
Our Sonamura correspondent adds: One BJP activist, Abul Mia sustained injuries near Jatrapur Police Station under Dhanpur Assembly Constituency today altercation between the supporters of the CPM and BJP took a violent turn. Abul Mia was shifted to Hospital in Agartala in critical condition.
Besides, a chaotic situation prevailed at Bar Narayan HS+2 School under Dhanpur today and security personnel resorted to the lathi charge. This irked the voters as voters even the elderly people were panicked at the lathi charge and many sustained injuries. Later, union Minister Pratima Bhowmik who is also contesting from the Dhanpur constituency rushed to the spot and eventually situation became normal.
Our Amarpur correspondent adds: Trouble started at Natunbazar Girls School after miscreants attacked CPM polling agents today. According to the CPM supporters, miscreants are BJP supporters. Police immediately intervened and brought the situation under control. Meantime, polling personnel identified one fake woman voter and handed over her to Police at Amarpur Bankarai para SB School.
Our Shantirbazar correspondent adds: CPM nominated candidate for 36-Shantirbazar Assembly, Satyajit Reang alleged BJP-backed goons attacked several CPM activists and intimidated party supporters.