Nine people died and around 50 were injured in widespread violence that swept Bengal, centering the panchayat elections. The polls are being held after days of court battle and opposition allegations of "Trinamool terror" - accusations the ruling party has denied. Instances of violence, including a bomb attack, were reported from at least eight districts. By 5 pm, the turnout was 72 per cent, but voting continued because of long queues at the polling stations. Before the election, Trinamool candidates were elected unopposed in 34 per cent seats - a situation over which the Supreme Court expressed concern.
