EC Deadline Ignored: No FIR Filed Against TMC MLA in Farakka Office Vandalism
The district administration in West Bengal's Murshidabad has failed to comply with the Election Commission's directive to register a First Information Report against Trinamool Congress MLA Manirul Islam for the alleged vandalism at the Farakka Block Development Officer's office. This non-compliance persists even 24 hours after the EC's deadline expired, raising serious questions about election law enforcement in the state.
EC's Directive and Administration's Response
On Thursday, the Election Commission issued a clear order to the Murshidabad District Electoral Officer, mandating the filing of an FIR against the ruling party MLA from Farakka and requiring a compliance report by 5 PM the same day. Despite this explicit instruction, no case had been registered by 7 PM on Friday, according to reliable sources familiar with the matter.
Instead of following the EC's directive, the District Magistrate, who also serves as the District Electoral Officer, has reportedly asked the Farakka Sub-Divisional Officer to investigate the incident further. This move appears to circumvent the immediate action demanded by the election body, creating a concerning precedent for electoral oversight in West Bengal.
Incident Details and Initial Police Response
The vandalism incident occurred on January 14, when supporters of the Trinamool Congress allegedly ransacked the Farakka BDO office. Multiple media reports and circulating videos suggest that MLA Manirul Islam led this destructive activity. Following the incident, the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer contacted Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, urging strict action in the matter.
Although police did file an FIR related to the incident, they notably excluded the MLA's name from the complaint. This omission has drawn criticism from election observers and opposition parties who question whether political influence is affecting law enforcement procedures during election-related activities.
Pattern of Non-Compliance with EC Directives
This incident represents part of a troubling pattern where West Bengal's administration has failed to implement Election Commission instructions promptly. On January 21, the EC asked Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty to provide details within 72 hours about actions taken against four electoral officials accused of irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.
The Commission specifically demanded explanations for why previous directives hadn't been implemented and requested comprehensive disciplinary records for the officials involved. This includes two Electoral Registration Officers and two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers who allegedly participated in fraudulent voter registrations using forged documents in Baruipur Purba and Moyna Assembly constituencies.
EC's Stance on Election Violence
In response to growing concerns about election-related violence, the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer has issued strict instructions to all District Electoral Officers. The directive mandates immediate filing of complaints and FIRs with local police stations whenever violence occurs during Special Intensive Revision hearings or when government property is damaged.
The EC's letter emphasizes that hearings should be adjourned indefinitely if violence and destruction of public property persist, resuming only with the CEO's approval. The Commission has warned that delays in filing FIRs in such cases will be viewed seriously, with adverse inferences drawn against responsible DEOs.
Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity
This failure to file an FIR against a sitting MLA despite explicit EC orders raises significant concerns about electoral integrity in West Bengal. The incident highlights potential challenges in maintaining a level playing field during election processes and suggests possible political interference in law enforcement mechanisms.
Election observers note that such incidents undermine public confidence in electoral institutions and create an environment where political actors might feel emboldened to violate election codes without facing immediate consequences. The EC's repeated directives to state officials indicate persistent challenges in ensuring compliance with election regulations.
