Two TMC workers held for ‘voter intimidation’

Kolkata/Behrampore: Police arrested two Trinamool workers in separate incidents in Canning and Berhampore for allegedly publicly threatening voters. In Canning, Hafizul Molla — pradhan of Deuli-I gram panchayat and a senior Trinamool figure in Canning East — was arrested by Jibantala police on Saturday for remarks made at a public meeting on Tuesday evening.

Addressing supporters from a van in Deuli's marketplace during a campaign for TMC candidate Baharul Islam, Molla allegedly warned that voters who "betray the party" would face consequences, that a "steamroller would be run over" such individuals, and that action would follow after results. The speech went viral and drew sharp criticism. The complaint was lodged with the EC by ISF candidate Arabul Islam, who cited the video as evidence. TMC candidate Baharul Islam distanced himself from the remarks, saying the party did not support "any threat, coercion or violence."


In Behrampore, Raju Mondal, a TMC booth-level leader of ward 8, was arrested on Friday following a BJP complaint. A video from Kantanagar showed Mondal telling residents to vote only for the ruling party. He was released after signing an undertaking not to engage in such campaigning. Behrampore Trinamool candidate Naru Gopal Mukherjee filed a counter-complaint, alleging BJP workers were telling Hindu voters not to vote for TMC.