EC Flags security lapses during electoral roll revision camps in West Bengal, Seeks Police report

The Election Commission (EC) has flagged serious security lapses during the visit of an electoral roll observer to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing camps in West Bengal and has sought a detailed action taken report from the state police by 5 pm on January 6.

In a letter to the Director General of Police, the Commission said senior bureaucrat C Murugan, deputed as an observer, reported a series of incidents during his visit to SIR hearing camps on December 29 in Magrahat-I , Magrahat-II and Kulpi blocks of South 24 Parganas district . Similar concerns were echoed in reports submitted by the special electoral roll observer and the Chief Electoral Officer.

After examining the reports, the EC observed that despite advance intimation of the tour programme to the concerned sub-divisional officer and superintendent of police, adequate security arrangements were not made. The observer was compelled to move through sensitive areas without proper police protection.

The Commission noted incidents of sloganeering , mob gatherings , obstruction of official work and damage to the observer’s vehicle . An FIR was lodged on December 29 against 30 to 40 unidentified persons after repeated efforts.

“These incidents reflect serious lapses on the part of the police administration,” the EC said, directing the DGP to submit an action taken report detailing police action, follow-up measures and steps initiated to fix responsibility.

The poll body also directed that henceforth, whenever an electoral roll observer or special electoral roll observer undertakes a field visit, he or she must be accompanied by a senior police officer with adequate security to ensure safety during official duties. It stressed strict compliance to ensure a secure environment for the conduct of the SIR and other electoral processes.

While political motives may be suspected in the background, the Election Commission has not formally attributed the incidents to any political party or strategy. It has maintained that its focus remains on ensuring uninterrupted electoral processes, fixing accountability within the police administration, and preventing any form of pressure—political or otherwise—on election officials.

On December 29, Murugan’s vehicle was damaged after an agitating crowd gheraoed him during his visit to an SIR hearing centre at Magrahat. The protesters, mostly women, blocked the exit route of the vehicle and thumped the bonnet and window panes, while police personnel attempted to clear the way by forming a cordon. The driver-side door handle was later found nearly ripped off.According to the EC, Murugan had faced resistance during the SIR exercise on two earlier occasions as well.

The Commission further underlined that such incidents have wider i mplications for democratic functioning , noting that obstruction of electoral officials undermines the a uthority and independence of constitutional institutions , weakens the credibility of the electoral process and erodes public confidence in free and fair elections. It added that repeated instances of mob intimidation encourage pressure tactics over the rule of law and ultimately damage democratic norms and India’s image as a robust electoral democracy.