India, April 24 -- Heavy presence of paramilitary forces in the poll-bound West Bengal prevented any major incidents of violence, with only sporadic incidents of attacks reported as voting concluded for the first phase of Assembly elections on Thursday.

Sporadic violence, intimidation, and assaults on BJP candidates occurred in some areas, casting a shadow over polling. However, according to administrative officials, the number of such incidents was lower compared to past West Bengal elections.

Clashes broke out between locals and security personnel in the Kharisaol area in Birbhum on Thursday after allegations of EVM malfunctioning triggered tension during the final hours of polling.

Security personnel, including central forces, inter...