Woman BLO Files Police Complaint Against BJP Supporters Led by Suvendu Adhikari
A serious incident has unfolded in Kolkata, where a woman Booth Level Officer (BLO) has lodged a formal police complaint against supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), allegedly led by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The complaint details allegations of assault, criminal intimidation, and outraging of modesty during a protest on February 24, 2026.
Incident Details and FIR Registration
According to news agency ANI, an FIR has been registered in connection with the matter. The complaint letter states that the incident occurred at approximately 5:30 pm on February 24, when BLO teachers were conducting a peaceful protest in front of the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal. The protest was organized to demand justice for the unfortunate deaths of BLOs during what they described as "humongous and unscientifically designed SIR works as imposed by the ECI."
The woman BLO emphasized in her letter that the demonstration was entirely lawful, peaceful, and within constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution of India. However, the situation reportedly turned volatile upon the arrival of Suvendu Adhikari.
Allegations of Violence and Harassment
The complaint alleges that immediately after Adhikari's arrival, a group of miscreants carrying BJP flags stormed the demonstration site in a coordinated and aggressive manner. The group is accused of:
- Assaulting several members with sticks and flagpoles, causing physical injuries.
- Using filthy, obscene, and degrading language.
- Outraging the modesty of female teachers through verbal sexual harassment, molestation, abusive gestures, and physical intimidation.
- Throwing water bottles and using BJP flags as weapons to beat male teachers who attempted to protect their female colleagues.
- Criminally intimidating protesters with threats, creating panic and terror among the peaceful assembly.
The complainant stated that these actions were deliberate and precipitated an alarming situation, disrupting what was intended as a democratic protest.
Context and Implications
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in West Bengal's political landscape, particularly concerning electoral processes and the roles of BLOs. Booth Level Officers play a crucial role in election management, and their protests have drawn attention to issues of workload and safety. The involvement of a high-profile political figure like Suvendu Adhikari adds a significant dimension to the case, potentially impacting public perception and legal proceedings.
Authorities are now tasked with investigating the allegations thoroughly, as the complaint raises serious concerns about violence and harassment in political contexts. The outcome could influence future protests and the treatment of election officials in the region.
