EC Asks Bengal DGP For Report On Security Lapses Into Mob Attack On Poll Observer
The EC also ordered Mr Kumar to depute a senior police officer next time to accompany any electoral roll observer/ special electoral roll observer with adequate security to ensure their safety during field visits: Reports
KOLKATA: The Election Commission has found “serious security lapses” into the mob attacks on electoral roll observer C Murugan during his visit to the special intensive revision (SIR) hearing camps in South 24 Parganas of West Bengal and sought an action taken report from state director general of police Rajeev Kumar about it by January 6.
The EC also ordered Mr Kumar to depute a senior police officer next time to accompany any electoral roll observer/ special electoral roll observer with adequate security to ensure their safety during field visits.
Its step came after Mr Murugan, an IAS officer of 2005 batch, reported to Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal Manoj Agarwal about the incidents he had faced at Magrahat– I, Magrahat– II and Kulpi block of Diamond Harbour sub-division on December 29.
On Saturday the EC told Mr Kumar in a letter that it has “...carefully examined the aforesaid reports and noticed that despite advance intimation of the tour programme to the Sub-Divisional Officer and Superintendent of Police, adequate security arrangements were not made and the Electoral Roll Observer was compelled to move through sensitive areas without proper police protection.”
The EC also pointed out, “...incidents of sloganeering, mob gathering, obstruction of official work and damage to the Observer's vehicle have been reported. Further an FIR has been filed on 29.12.2025 against 30-40 unknown, unruly and agitated persons that too after repeated efforts. These incidents reflect serious lapses on the part of the police administration.”
It “has viewed these lapses seriously and directs you to furnish an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the said incidents, including details of police action taken, follow-up measures and steps initiated to fix responsibility, latest by Tuesday, 06.01.2026 by 5:00 PM, to the Commission.”
