The CPM cadres resorted to physical intimidation to clamp the dissenting voices. Several villagers could not go out to vote fearing for their lives. The Indian Express team caught up with a few such families who were barred from stepping out of their houses.

Sheikh Zahid and his wife Khairun Bibi, both residents of Hussainpur, did not exercise their franchise . The family had returned home on Saturday from the BDO office relief camp. A voter of booth 136 at the Shishu Shiksha Kendra of Hussainpur, Zahid said: “When we returned, we were told by CPM cadres that we have no right to vote and thus, should not go out to vote.”

A similar ordeal was waiting for Kanai Bera, who lives in Hussainpur Purbapara with his family. “They came to our house and threatened that if we go out to vote, we will face dire consequences,” said Bera.

Sandip and Buddhadeb Barui of Ranichak were also threatened not to caste their votes. Sandip, however, summoned courage and turned up to vote at booth 112. “When I came to caste my vote, I was beaten up. Ultimately, I had to return without casting my vote,” he said.

In booth 83, Trinamool Congress candidate Sayum Kaji alleged that CPM goons heckled him when he went to cast his vote. “When I went to lodge a complaint with the police, they refused to register it. The CPM has made a mockery of the whole situation. They are intimidating and harassing voters because of which many could not turn up for voting. The police officers remained mute spectators,” Kazi said.