Violence in West Bengal Panchayat  Election - 2003-05-12

Authorities in eastern India's West Bengal state say 14 people have been killed and at least 20 others injured Sunday in the latest wave of election-related violence.

Officials said clashes between supporters of the ruling Marxist Communist Party and opposition rivals were reported throughout the state. Warring parties used guns, homemade bombs, knives and rocks in their battles for control of polling places.

West Bengal officials say at least 20 other people were killed and 30 more injured in the run-up to Sunday's local elections.

[ For details click on 1600 UTC]