The Election Commission of India has requested a status report from the West Bengal Police regarding the removal of state-provided security for tainted political figures with criminal backgrounds, regardless of their party affiliations. The Commission’s directive includes leaders on bail or parole, those with past criminal accusations, and individuals with criminal histories. The deadline for withdrawing security cover for such leaders was set for midnight Thursday, with instructions to also remove unauthorized security for individuals not entitled to it.
The Election Commission further instructed action against tainted leaders with pending non-bailable arrest warrants, emphasizing the prompt implementation of these warrants. Additionally, the Commission urged the West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police to resolve all election-related criminal cases from previous elections expeditiously. Sub-divisional police officers and deputy superintendents of police were tasked with compiling a list of absconding criminals for targeted search operations.
Furthermore, officers-in-charge and inspectors-in-charge were directed to identify high-risk areas for criminal activities and individuals with histories of election-related violence. They were advised to ensure security for all political campaign events, regardless of party affiliations, and to safeguard those involved in electoral responsibilities. The Assembly elections in West Bengal are set to be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results announced on May 4.
