An alleged assault involving a BJP candidate and party representatives cast a shadow over polling for the Wokha Town Council Ward No. 8 (Tsumang B) by-election on Tuesday, prompting heightened security measures and administrative intervention.

BJP candidate Mhomo Humtsoe alleged that he was attacked along with two party observers while heading towards the polling station in the early hours of the morning. The incident reportedly took place around 4:30 a.m., before voting commenced.

According to Humtsoe, the trio was intercepted by a group of individuals, following which a physical altercation ensued. He alleged that the group was led by a person identified as Zubemo and claimed to have suffered injuries during the incident.

Following the episode, a complaint was lodged with the police, and an FIR was registered. Humtsoe informed that the accused individual was subsequently taken into custody by law enforcement authorities.

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The BJP candidate expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that such occurrences have no place in an electoral process and could affect efforts to ensure peaceful and transparent polling.

In response to concerns over possible disturbances, the district administration imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate K. Mhathung Tsanglao, seeks to prevent any situation that could disrupt the conduct of the election.

The restrictions include a ban on unlawful assembly, carrying of weapons, voter intimidation, provocative acts, and any obstruction to election-related activities within Ward No. 8.

Officials said the preventive measures were necessary to safeguard public order and facilitate the smooth conduct of the by-election.

Despite the reported incident, polling proceeded as scheduled under enhanced security deployment.