Police in Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, have lodged an FIR following directions from the Election Commission of India (ECI regarding voter intimidation. The complaint alleged that voters in the Kakdwip area were being threatened by a bike procession where intimidating slogans were chanted. The ECI instructed local authorities to take prompt action in response to the complaint.
Within a short period after the complaint was lodged, the police registered an FIR against the culprits at the Diamond Harbour Police Station. The FIR includes charges such as intimidation, threats, attempts to disrupt peace, and obstruction of government work. The miscreants on bikes reportedly openly threatened voters, warning them of consequences after May 4.
The Election Commission is actively working to ensure a peaceful voting environment for the upcoming phases. The first phase of voting on April 23 proceeded relatively peacefully, and efforts are being made to maintain calm during subsequent phases. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4. In a related development, the Election Commission suspended five police officers in Diamond Harbour for serious violations of conduct and impartiality issues.
Diamond Harbour, a constituency represented by Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, consists of seven Assembly segments.
