Kolkata: Five people were killed on Wednesday in political clashes during the second round of the three-phase elections to local executive bodies in West Bengal.

The districts that went to polls Wednesday are North and South 24-Parganas, Nadia, Howrah and Hoogly.

"Three Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) supporters and a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) activist died in a clash between two groups at Basanti town in South 24-Parganas," West Bengal Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia told IANS Wednesday evening.

"A political activist died at Domjur in Howrah. The man was about to throw the bomb at his opponent when he was tripped over. The bomb blasted and he was killed," he said.

"We have arrested about 50 people from across the five districts. Thirty-five of them are from Basanti," Kanojia said.

According to state election commission officials, 55 percent votes were cast till 5 p.m.

The panchayat elections in West Bengal are being held May 11, 14 and 18. Counting will take place May 21.

The five districts of Purulia, West and East Midnapore, Bardhaman and Bankura went to polls May 11.

North Bengal and Murshidabad district will have polls May 18.

 

Source : IANS