Bengal polls: Violence in Cooch Behar, 5 dead; EC seeks report

• Violence marred Cooch Behar's Sitalkuchi constituency in poll-bound West Bengal. Five voters, including an 18-YO, were allegedly shot dead in separate incidents. A first-time voter in Sitalkuchi constituency was allegedly shot dead at around 8am. Two persons have been arrested in connection with 18-YO Ananda Barman's death. BJP claimed Barman was a party supporter, while TMC alleged that he was shot by BJP. In a separate incident in Sitalkuchi, four others have been killed and three got injured. Police said central forces were attacked and the casualty occurred when they fired in retaliation. Polling at Sitalkuchi has been adjourned, EC has sought a report in this regard. Violence rocked Cooch Behar as Bengal votes in fourth phase of assembly polls. Elections for 294 seats in Bengal are being held in eight phases, results on May 2.