CCC election: Itchy velvet beans used to attack rivals
Photo: Mostafa Yousuf Mostafa Yousuf, Chattogram Mostafa Yousuf, Chattogram
Mucuna pruriens (velvet beans) which causes severe itching to the skin was used for attacking rivals during the Chattogram City Corporation election today, victims have claimed.
Supporters of Awami League backed councilor candidate Abul Hasnat Belal alleged that women supporters of AF Kabir Manik, an independent councilor candidate of Lalkhan Bazar, attacked them with the itchy substance locally known as bilai khamchi in front of Shahidnagar City Corporation Girls High School.
A chase, counter-chase between the two rival groups in front of the school took place over the matter.
They resorted to violence, intimidation
Photo: Rajib Raihan
Three The Daily Star correspondents visited six centres of the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) polls, housed in two schools in the port city.
Two were stationed at two centres in Shahidnagar City Corporation Girls High School from 8:00am to 3:15pm while the other journalist visited four centres at Bakalia Government High School between 8.00am and 3.30pm. The voting ended at 4:00pm.
While on duty, the three DS reporters saw how the polling was marred by sporadic incidents of violence, intimidation and capture of centres by ruling Awami League men.
Polling at the Shahidnagar school s two centres in Lalkhan Bazar progressed amid sporadic incidents of violence and chaos.