Amid ongoing tensions and protests outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in central Kolkata, the Kolkata Police have extended the restricted area. Prohibitory orders limiting the assembly of a specific number of individuals will be enforced until the state’s upcoming Assembly elections conclude. Previously, these orders were confined to the road in front of the office, but they now encompass a larger area from Koilghata Crossing to Kiran Shankar Roy Road.
The Kolkata Police’s decision follows a stern warning from the Election Commission of India against any form of unruly behavior near the CEO’s office. The move comes after clashes between supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday, with subsequent protests alleging voter enrollment irregularities.
Protests continued on Wednesday, with Trinamool Congress-affiliated booth-level officers demonstrating first, followed by BJP supporters. This led to a tense situation, requiring intervention from state and central armed police forces to maintain order. Additionally, a group from the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) protested alleged voter harassment during a special revision process.
In response to the escalating unrest, Kolkata Police expanded the restricted area to prevent further disturbances and uphold law and order in the vicinity.
