KOLKATA: Fresh clashes between party workers were reported from Kolkata over the weekend and Monday, apart from BJP supporters' run-in with Trinamool men at Chowbhaga and bomb attacks in Behala. The new complaints, police said, were lodged by the CPM-ISF combine of Sanjukta Morcha at Survey Park and Tiljala.
It has been decided that 18 companies of central forces will be stationed in Kolkata. While 13 companies will keep an eye on sensitive areas, especially in north and south Kolkata, where polls are slated for April 26 and 29, five will guard the EVMs at the six centres, where they have been kept following elections in Behala, Tollygunge, Jadavpur, and Kasba on April 10.
As Jadavpur went to polls on Saturday, a polling agent of CPM candidate Sujan Chakraborty was threatened by alleged Trinamool goons at the stadium in the Jorabridge area. On Sunday night, his shop was set on fire. CPM, which has been demanding the arrest of the accused, blocked roads even on Tuesday. Trinamool denied their role in the fire or the threat. Police are probing the case. In another incident, supporters of ISF and Trinamool traded charges of attacks in Topsia. Police claimed there had been reports of minor scuffles since Chunnu Miyan, a local with a criminal record, had joined ISF. "A Trinamool supporter was roughed up on Monday, following which a clash erupted. A police force reached the spot and took at least three to hospital. A case of attempt to murder has been filed against four persons," police said.
Lalbazar has asked all the 25 police stations, under which voting is over, to step up vigil to check post-poll clashes.
"There are standing instructions that senior officers must themselves reach spots quickly. The final plan of deployment of central forces had been finalized, said sources. Areas, like Cossipore, Sinthee and Chetla, have been witnessing regular route marches by central forces.