Congress candidate Milan Pradhan on Tuesday alleged that “hooligans” had been active in Nandigram for two days and that his polling agent was picked up, even as voting continued at booths across the constituency.

“Hooligans have been let loose here for two days now. They picked up my polling agent. This is not right,” Pradhan told reporters, according to ANI. He said he had informed the election office but received little response.

The claim contrasts with official accounts. Presiding Officer Alok Bag at polling station 79 in Nandanayakbar Primary School said voting was peaceful, with webcasting in place and 709 voters on the roll. Polling runs until 6 pm.

Pradhan was arrested by Kolkata Police on Saturday over four pending non-bailable warrants in cases dating to 2007, police said. His candidacy had already drawn attention after Mamata Banerjee backed the Congress in Nandigram.

The Election Commission has not yet responded to Pradhan’s allegation. Counting for the Nandigram bypoll is scheduled on October 9.