Amid high turnout, Bengal violence claims one life

KOLKATA: A 52-year-old man was killed in Murshidabad, becoming Bengal’s first casualty of the 2019 polls, as five seats in the state voted in the third phase of the general elections on Tuesday.Turnout was high, with all five seats — Balurghat, Malda Uttar, Malda Dakshin, Murshidabad and Jangipur — recording at least 75% polling. But Abdul Kalam Tiarul Shiekh’s violent death stood out, prompting the Election Commission to seek a report from the district administration. In Malda, a presiding officer was removed from duty by the state chief electoral officer for casting bogus votes.“We are investigating the incident. We are not yet sure whether the clash was a result of a family feud or political rivalry. Three people, including main accused Lalu Shiekh, have been arrested,” additional director-general (law and order) Siddhinath Gupta said.Murshidabad Congress candidate Abu Hena claimed that Sheikh was from his party. Trinamool candidate Abu Taher said the death was unfortunate but his party supporters, too, came under attack. “How could this happen in the presence of central forces?” he asked.Alleged Trinamool goons tore open Tiarul’s belly with machetes, less than 400 metres from a sensitive booth manned by central forces, as he was walking back home with son Mahtab Sheikh after voting.“Trinamool goons Lalu Sheikh and Anroon started abusing us when we came out of the booth. My father didn’t respond. They hit us with bamboo poles. My dad fell down. They dragged my father away and tore open his belly with a machete,” Mahtab said.