Thaindian News

Bolpur (West Bengal), April 22 (IANS) A Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader was Friday surrounded by Trinamool Congress supporters in West Bengal, who alleged that he paid money to voters on the eve of the second phase of the assembly polling, police said.

According to a police official, Ramchandra Dome, CPI-M member of the Lok Sabha from Bolpur, was surrounded by Trinamool supporters in Charicha village of Birbhum district after some villagers alleged that he along with 10-12 party supporters visited homes and gave them Rs.500 each to vote for the party.

“A police team was sent after we were informed that Dome has been surrounded by Trinamool supporters in front of the house of Ram Lal Rajowal,” Birbhum Additional Police Superintendent Farhat Abbas said.

Local Trinamool leader Tapan Shina said: “Dome and his party followers came to Sainthia, which does not come under his Lok Sobha constituency, with a bag full of cash amounting to Rs.10 lakh. When the villagers protested, one of his party cadres, Samiran Lohar, left the spot with the cash.”

Khurshid Miya, a villager, told police that Dome paid him cash and showed the police the Rs.500 note, Shina said.

Abbas said the police, who conducted a search, could not find any money in the houses of CPI-M supporters.

The Trinamool supporters, however, prevented Dome from leaving the place, leading to a scuffle.

The police had to cane-charge to disperse the crowd.

Denying the allegations, Dome said: “The CPI-M does not believe in money-politics. I came to chalk out last-minute plans before Saturday’s poll.”

Soumitra Mohan, district election officer (district magistrate), said a complaint has been received on the issue and a probe has been ordered.

The second phase of West Bengal’s assembly elections will be held Saturday.