21 held for poll violence in Tripura

Agartala, February 18

At least 21 persons were arrested in 18 incidents of poll violence in Tripura since Thursday, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Gitte Kirankumar Dinakarrao said.

Clash in Unakoti district

• A clash broke out between supporters of BJP and Left-Congress alliance in Unakoti district’s Kumarghat
• The incident led to the blockade of a highway, provoking baton charge on the clashing activists by the police personnel
• Apart from injury to a few persons, a sub-inspector was injured in the melee, a police official claimed

The state recorded 89.95 per cent voter turnout in the election held on Thursday, he said. “At least 18 incidents of violence were reported since February 16, and accordingly, FIRs were lodged by the police. A total of 21 persons were arrested while notices were served to over 150 persons for their alleged involvement in the violence,” he said.

Six incidents took place on the day of polling, the CEO said. Sepahijala district reported most of the incidents at nine, he said, adding incidents of election-related violence drastically went down this time. All sub-divisional magistrates in the state held meetings with the representatives of political parties on Saturday, seeking their help to maintain peace and tranquility, he said.

Two BJP candidates — Hemani Debbarma of Golaghati constituency and Pranajit Sinha Roy of Matabari — demanded repolling in some booths. “However, the observers after checking the webcasting footage of these booths rejected their demands,” he said.

Meanwhile, a clash broke out between supporters of the BJP and Left-Congress in Unakoti district’s Kumarghat on Saturday, leading to the blockade of a highway, provoking a baton charge by the police.

Apart from injury to a few persons, a sub-inspector was hurt, a police officer said, adding that additional forces have been deployed. Meanwhile, exuding confidence, CM Manik Saha claimed the BJP would secure more seats than it had in the previous elections in 2018.