ECI Seeks 48-Hour Report from Kolkata Police Over CEO Office Security Breach
ECI Seeks 48-Hour Report from Kolkata Police Over CEO Office Security Breach
Election Commission demands swift action after BLO protests outside the West Bengal CEO’s office, citing a serious security breach and ordering enhanced protection for officials and staff.
The Election Commission of India has taken a serious view of a 30-hour protest by booth-level officers outside the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kolkata, calling the event a security breach that could threaten the safety of officers, staff, and anyone traveling to and from the CEO’s office. The commission said the existing security around the office appeared inadequate to handle the situation and stressed that those posted at the CEO’s office, at their homes, and during commutes require heightened protection.
In a letter to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, the ECI demanded an action report within 48 hours and directed police to take all possible measures to ensure safety. It asked for an adequate security classification due to the sensitivity of SIR activities and the forthcoming elections in the state and urged steps to prevent any untoward incident.
Earlier, the protests were tied to workload concerns linked to the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The request for security comes as officials brace for the next phase of preparations, with the letter marked to the state Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary, and the Director General of Police.
Responding to the scene, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after garlanding a statue on Constitution Day, criticized the ECI, calling the commission’s stance arrogant for the siege and urging a more cooperative approach to the electoral process.
The ECI’s message is clear: security measures must be strengthened and lessons learned to prevent repetition, with ongoing monitoring as elections approach.
Cover image source: SC seeks ECI responses to pleas challenging Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengal SIR 🔗
