The Election Commission of India has requested a detailed report from the district magistrate-cum-district electoral officer of North Dinajpur district in West Bengal regarding the tension and violence incident at a hearing center in Itahar. This request follows a video posted on social media by the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, highlighting the violence at the Itahar center. Adhikari also criticized the West Bengal government for allegedly failing to ensure security to officials on duty, mentioning a recent Supreme Court order on maintaining peace at hearing centers.
The Commission instructed the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Trinamool Congress legislator Manirul Islam from the Farakka Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district. This action was taken in connection with the vandalism at a hearing center for claims and objections on the draft voters’ list in West Bengal on January 14. An official from the CEO’s office emphasized the Commission’s serious approach towards addressing complaints of tension and violence promptly.
Incidents of tension and violence have been reported at various hearing centers across West Bengal since the commencement of the exercise for hearing claims and objections on the draft voters’ list. Allegations have been made against ruling Trinamool Congress leaders and supporters for instigating most of these disturbances.
