West Bengal

The first round of the three-phase local body elections in West Bengal peacefully Sunday evening with no major incident of violence reported in the five districts, including Nandigram area, where polling was held.

According to police sources, stray incidents of booth capturing and clashes between rival political forces were reported from some areas of Purulia, West and East Midnapore, Burdwan and Bankura districts. Inspector General of Police in the Indian state of West Bengal said that the election was so far peaceful.

Only a few minor incidents took place in some areas. In all, a dozen people were arrested from all five districts Sunday Ruling Left Front chairman Biman Bose told a press conference here the first phase of panchayat elections ended peacefully.