The Election Commission of India took decisive action on Thursday, directing authorities to register a fresh First Information Report (FIR) against Trinamool Congress MLA Monirul Islam. This order pertains to the alleged vandalism that occurred at the Farakka Block Development Office (BDO) in West Bengal's Murshidabad district last week. The poll body set a strict deadline, instructing the district administration to file the FIR by 5 pm, after it was observed that an earlier case filed in connection with the incident had failed to name the MLA as an accused.
Incident Details and Escalation
According to a senior Election Commission official, the unrest began when MLA Monirul Islam, accompanied by a group of supporters, staged a protest outside the Farakka BDO office. The demonstration was against alleged "harassment of the public" during the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) exercise. The situation quickly escalated from a peaceful protest to one of violence, resulting in the vandalism of the government office.
The Commission, upon taking cognisance of the incident, promptly engaged with West Bengal's Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar. During this communication, the EC explicitly directed that an FIR be lodged to address the vandalism. While an initial FIR was registered, it notably omitted the local MLA's name as an accused. This omission prompted the Election Commission to issue a fresh order, specifically demanding that Monirul Islam be named in the new FIR, as confirmed by reports from news agency PTI.
Root Causes and Violent Turn
The official further elaborated that the protests were initially triggered by grievances from a section of Booth Level Officers (BLOs). These officers alleged that citizens were facing undue harassment during the SIR process, a claim that fueled public discontent. The situation took a violent turn when protesters, reportedly led by the MLA, marched to the BDO office. They raised slogans against the exercise, and the protest allegedly descended into chaos, leading to the vandalism of government property.
The incident dates back to June 14, when the Farakka BDO office was allegedly raided during an ongoing SIR hearing. A written complaint filed by BDO Junaid Ahamed provided detailed accounts of the event. According to the complaint, around 1:30 pm, a group of unidentified individuals stormed multiple official rooms within the BDO office. They proceeded to vandalise government property, and this act was carried out in the presence of BLOs, the Joint BDO, the Officer-in-Charge of Election, and other Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs).
During the ensuing chaos, one AERO reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to protect himself from the violence. Following the incident, a case was registered at the Farakka police station. The charges included multiple sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act. Authorities have already made two arrests in connection with the case, though the investigation is ongoing.
Political Reactions and Allegations
The vandalism incident has ignited sharp political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching a strong critique against the ruling Trinamool Congress. BJP MLA Gouri Sankar directly accused TMC MLA Monirul Islam of leading the vandalism and targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence.
In a statement to ANI, Sankar questioned, "Today, Farakka MLA Manirul Islam vandalised the block office. How can a public representative vandalise property? Who gave him the right to do so? Are they not Indian citizens, or are they Bangladeshis who think they can vandalise a block office in India?" He further added a political warning, stating, "The public is ready to give them a befitting reply. In the 2026 elections, whether it's Manirul or someone else, they will get their answer from the public."
The BJP escalated its allegations by claiming that the violence was politically instigated. The party asserted, "Mamata Banerjee is instigating her party cadres across the state to riot, commit violence, and destroy property. All these actions are carried out under Mamata Banerjee's instructions." They further alleged that corruption and destruction in West Bengal are occurring under the chief minister's watch, linking the incident to broader governance issues in the state.
Election Commission's Vigilance
The Election Commission's directive underscores its commitment to maintaining law and order, especially in the context of electoral processes. By ordering a fresh FIR specifically naming the MLA, the EC has demonstrated its intent to hold public representatives accountable for their actions, irrespective of their political affiliations. This move is seen as a step towards ensuring that such incidents of violence and vandalism are not overlooked and that justice is served promptly.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes are on the West Bengal administration to comply with the Election Commission's order and on the political ramifications this incident may have in the lead-up to future elections. The case highlights the ongoing tensions in West Bengal's political landscape and the challenges in conducting peaceful electoral exercises.
