At least 41 people have been arrested across West Bengal following incidents of violence during the first phase of the 2026 Assembly elections, according to official sources.
The arrests come in response to multiple clashes and disturbances reported from several districts during polling on April 23. Authorities confirmed that, in addition to the 41 arrests in specific cases of violence, around 571 individuals were taken into preventive custody to maintain law and order.
Incidents of unrest were reported from areas such as Murshidabad, Birbhum, and parts of North Bengal, where clashes broke out between rival political workers. In some places, crude bombs were allegedly used, along with stone-pelting and vandalism of vehicles.
High-profile disruptions also drew attention during polling day. A BJP candidate’s vehicle was attacked in Asansol, while another candidate reportedly faced physical assault in South Dinajpur. These incidents added to allegations of voter intimidation and booth-level tensions raised by various political parties.
Despite these election authorities maintained that the overall voting process remained largely under control, aided by the deployment of central forces and heightened security measures. The Election Commission had earlier identified thousands of “sensitive” booths and taken precautionary steps to curb violence.
The first phase also witnessed a record-breaking voter turnout of over 90%, reflecting strong public participation even amid sporadic unrest.
With further phases of polling scheduled in the coming days, security agencies are expected to remain on high alert. The arrests signal a crackdown on election-related violence, as authorities attempt to ensure a smoother and more peaceful voting process in the remaining phases of the West Bengal elections.
