Violence mars West Bengal civic polls(Update)

Kolkata, May 30 (ANI): Polling in several wards for the 81 West Bengal municipalities, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, was temporarily suspended following clashes between the Congress, Trinamool Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxists (CPI-M) party workers.

Police had to resort to a baton-charge to control violent party workers in several districts of the state.

Three are reported to have been injured in a clash between TMC and CPI-M party workers in West Bengal's Hooghly District.

Violence was also reported from Tarakeshwar District. Meanwhile, polling in Malda District was temporarily suspended following a clash between Congress and CPI-M party workers.

Trinamool Congress is contesting the elections without Congress support.

Polling began at 7 a.m. and will end at 3 p.m.

Over 85 lakh voters are expected to cast their votes to decide the fate of candidates of three parties in the fray.

Over 1,044 candidates are in the fray for the 141 wards in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

It has been reported that besides the state police, 75 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed to maintain law and order and to ensure the polls go off without any violence. (ANI)