Bengal polls: 67.28 percent polling till 3 pm

Voting has been recorded at 67.27 percent in North 24 Parganas and 67.31 percent in Howrah.

Balloting commenced at 7 am.

News of violence are on the rise as around 1200 cases have already been submitted to EC by 12:30 p.m. according to reports.

An FIR was also lodged against BJP leader Roopa Ganguly, who was earlier involved in an altercation with TMC members in Howrah's Salkia area. 

The FIR was lodged by a TMC party worker in Howrah's Malipanchghora PS.

Earlier, North Dumdum CPI-M candidate Tanmoy Bhattacharya was attacked and left bloodied, according to reports.

The Left leader said that a brick was hurled at his car, which broke the glass panes  and injured him.

Showing his injured hand to reporters, Bhattacharya said, "This is TMC's concept of democracy. The best way to tackle such a situation is to unite against them and vote for the candidate whom they do not want us to vote for."

Bhattacharya also filed an FIR, where he named seven TMC supporters, people who attacked him.

In another incident, the three-and-a-half year old child who was thrashed along with his family members by TMC supporters was paid a visit by EC members, who took note of things.

Meanwhile, a socket bomb was found near one of the polling booth in Barasat, while incident of bombing was reported near a school in Halisahar.

Bijpur area in North 24 Parganas had three separate incidents reported, all against the ruling party.

The TMC was accused of thrashing a family of Left supporters, where a three and a half year old wasn't spared.

In another incident, an engineering student was thrashed by TMC supporters, while another stated the story of a couple who received death threats.

The EC had asked for a report and said will act upon accordingly.

While security arrangements have been bolstered for the ongoing phase, incidents are far from being over.

As many as 672 companies of Central paramilitary forces are providing security in North 24 Parganas (33 constituencies) & Howrah (16 constituencies).

A total of 13,700 central force personnel and 5000 state policemen have been deployed in North 24 Parganas (Under Barrackpore Police Commissionerate area)

Rest of North 24 Parganas have 257 companies of central forces & 8000 state police personnel.

In Bidhannagar, 51 companies of central forces & 22,000 state police force have been deployed.

In Howrah (Urban), 75 companies central forces and 3000 state policemen are doing the rounds, while Howrah (Rural) have 15,200 central police personnel & 5000 state police force.