Ahead of the Bengal assembly polls, an NIA crackdown in Mothabari, Malda, has triggered an electoral exodus. Men are reportedly fleeing villages out of fear of the agency, leaving behind a “ghost electorate.” Residents who had fought to get back on voter rolls are now prioritizing safety over voting, after a reported assault on judicial officers. Parties trade blame as the crisis unfolds.
Voting at a booth in Mothabari constituency in Malda was disrupted when an alleged EVM malfunction occurred at Balua Chara High School. Reports say the sector officer absconded as polling hit a pause, escalating scrutiny amid the TMC vs BJP contest. The incident unfolded as Phase 1 voting continues across 152 constituencies in the West Bengal polls.
Your news, in seconds
Get the Beige app — every story in 60 words, updated hourly. Free on iOS & Android.
Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.