Guwahati: Rumours of masks created chaos in multiple polling stations in Dhubri district on the third and final phase of elections.
Reportedly, it has been rumoured that votes will get transferred to a particular candidate if votes were cast wearing masks.
In an incident, security personnel reportedly blank fired after a scuffle broke out between two parties amidst the final phase of voting at No. 2008 Dighaltari polling centre in Golakganj under Dhubri district.
Two women and one person were injured during the incident. Moreover, two security forces personnel were also injured and were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In another incident at Dhubri’s Bilasipara West, police resorted to lathi-charge after a section of people started pelting stones following the alleged mask rumour. Polling was disrupted at Gutipara polling station for at least half an hour. Four people were apprehended in connection to the matter.
Speaking exclusively to TIME8, Dhubri Superintendent of Police, Anand Mishra said, “There was a rumour raised by some people about masks which triggered tension in several polling stations in Dhubri. In Golakganj, the situation got intensified after a security official asked a group to disperse from the polling centre, but they started beating him with bamboos; it was a premeditated attempt, as they tried to turn the situation more violent. Another jawan who came into his rescue was attacked, the group tried to snatch away his gun, then he resorted to blank firing in order to bring the situation under control.”
“The security official bravely handled the situation,” added Dhubri SP.
SP Mishra also informed that more than 10 people have been identified who were directly involved in the case.
“We have video evidence as well, but we don’t want to disturb the polling process today, therefore, we will take action tomorrow,” alarmed SP Mishra.
It may also be mentioned that till 5 pm, voter turnout in poll-bound constituencies under Dhubri district are Dhubri- 89.30%, Gauripur- 90.20%, Golakganj- 88.10%.
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