PTI reported, quoting officials, that a person was found dead in South 24 Parganas, and two others succumbed to their injuries on Sunday. Officials said that the person who died on Sunday was identified as Abu Salem Khan and his body was found near a polling booth in West Gabtala in the Kultali police station area. ALSO READ: West Bengal Panchayat elections marred by violence, 12 dead; Here's top developments Salem had injuries on his head and was known to be a TMC worker in the area.
While the other two who succumbed to injuries are TMC workers Azhar Lashkar from Kolkata and Motiur Rahman from Malda. Lashkar died at the state-run SSKM Hospital, while Rahman -- stabbed outside a polling booth -- died on the way to the Malda Medical College and Hospital. Though the official figures for deaths have now reached 15, political parties claim that the number of deaths was higher, totaling 18.
State's ruling party TMC claimed nine of its members died, Congress claimed three, BJP claimed two, and CPI(M) also said that two of its members died. The political affiliation of the two deceased could not be known. Earlier, 30 people died since polls were announced last month.
The State Election Commission (SEC) said it has sought detailed reports on the deaths from the district magistrates (DMs). "We have asked the DMs to file reports on the deaths within 24 hours," an official told PTI. Apart from deaths, the polling witnessed ballot boxes being stolen and burnt.
Most affected districts, hit by violence include, Murshidabad, Nadia, Cooch Behar, and South 24 Parganas. With agency inputs.
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