The Election Commission of India has instructed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Manirul Islam, a Trinamool Congress legislator from Farakka Assembly constituency in West Bengal. This action is in connection to the ransacking of a center for hearing claims and objections on the draft voters’ list, allegedly carried out by Trinamool Congress activists led by Islam on January 14.
Following the incident, the Election Commission contacted West Bengal’s acting Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, urging strong action. An FIR was initially filed at the Farakka Police Station, but without naming the main perpetrators, including Islam. Consequently, the Commission directed the District Magistrate and District Electoral Officer of Murshidabad to ensure the registration of the FIR against Islam.
In another development, the Election Commission had previously instructed key officials in West Bengal to maintain peace during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise. The Commission warned of strict measures in case of non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives. Additionally, the state government was directed to provide necessary manpower for deployment at venues where hearings on claims and objections to the draft voters’ list are conducted.
