Allegations of widespread violence, threats and intimidation levelled by Opposition parties marred the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections on Saturday. According to election officials, the turn-out was about 62 per cent.

There were reports of voters facing difficulty in exercising their franchise due to violence. Journalists were not spared and prevented from going near polling booths. In at least a dozen places there were reports of crude bombs being hurled and bullets fired. A police sub-inspector sustained serious bullet injuries in Girish Park area of the city.

On information of electoral malpractices in ward number 109 in New Garia area of the city, Th e Hindu reporter and a cameraperson went to a polling booth. But they were challenged by a group of 15-20 people and asked to go back. Locals said TMC cadres captured booths in the ward. “The situation has deteriorated since morning and many people could not vote," said a local tea shop owner.

Fuad Halim, the CPI (M) leader and son of former Speaker H A Halim, claimed that there was an attempt on his life in Chowringhe area when supporters of TMC fired at him.

The State Election Commissioner, S R Upadhyay, conceded that the elections were far from “ideal” as several allegations of booth capturing, rigging and proxy-voting have been made by various parties. The Opposition said the TMC was engaged in promoting "controlled, low-intensity violence to scare off the voters." However, the Commissioner of Kolkata, Surjait Kar Purakayastha, said “polling was peaceful”.

“Out of nearly 5,000 booths we received allegations and counter-allegations from 10-12 places only and action has been taken,” said Mr. Kar Purakayastha.

Hours after the Commissioner claimed that there had been no major incident of violence, he along with senior police officers rushed to the hospital where the injured sub-inspector was admitted.

Counting of votes will be held on April 28.