The Election Commission of India has taken serious note of a security breach and issued a strict directive to the West Bengal police. This comes after the convoy of a senior election official was allegedly attacked during a duty visit.
EC Flags Serious Security Lapses
The Commission has formally asked the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) concerning the incident. The deadline for this report is January 6, 2026, by 5 PM. The EC's letter, written by Secretary Sujit Kumar Mishra, highlighted "serious security lapses" that endangered the official.
The incident in question occurred on December 29, 2025. Electoral Roll Observer C Murugan was visiting Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing camps in the South 24 Parganas district. His tour included camps in the Magrahat I, Magrahat II, and Kulpi Block areas under the Diamond Harbour Sub-Division.
Details of the Disturbing Incident
According to the EC, Murugan reported a series of disturbing events during his visit. Despite his tour program being shared in advance with the Sub-Divisional Officer and the Superintendent of Police, adequate security arrangements were not provided. The Commission noted that the observer was "compelled to move through sensitive areas without proper police protection."
The subsequent alleged attack on his convoy has raised major concerns about the safety of election officials and the integrity of the electoral revision process in the state. The EC's directive is based on Murugan's report dated December 30, 2025, and a note from the state's Chief Electoral Officer.
Strict Compliance Demanded for Future Security
The Action Taken Report demanded by the Commission must include specific details:
- Police action taken after the incident.
- Follow-up measures to prevent recurrence.
- Steps initiated to fix responsibility for the security failure.
Beyond seeking accountability for the past event, the EC has also instructed the DGP to arrange "adequate security" for all special roll observers operating in West Bengal. The Commission emphasized the need for "strict compliance" to ensure a secure environment for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision and all future electoral processes.
This move underscores the Election Commission's zero-tolerance policy towards any threat or obstruction faced by its officials on duty. The response from the West Bengal police headquarters is now keenly awaited by the January 6 deadline.
