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Bengal Polls: EC Warns Police Chiefs, Threatens Suspension Over Violence

The Election Commission has issued a stern warning to police officers in West Bengal ahead of the first phase of voting. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that any unrest on polling day will not be tolerated and Officers-in-Charge can be suspended for negligence. He ordered police to identify and monitor known criminals with past cases of election violence. The Commission is deploying over 40,000 police personnel and using CCTV surveillance to ensure peaceful voting on April 23.

Key Points: Bengal Polls: EC Issues Strict Warning to Police Before Phase 1

  • EC warns of police suspension for negligence
  • Orders action if weapons recovered
  • Asks why past election accused not arrested
  • Over 40,000 police deployed for Phase 1
2 min read

Bengal polls: EC issues strict instructions to police before first phase​

Election Commission warns police officers of suspension for negligence, orders crackdown on known criminals to ensure peaceful Bengal elections.

"unrest on the day of voting will not be tolerated in any form - CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal"

Kolkata, April 18

State's Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Saturday once again reminded police officers in a virtual meeting that unrest on the day of voting will not be tolerated in any form. If any untoward incident occurs on the day of voting, immediate action will be required. ​

The Election Commission also warned that Officers in Charge can be suspended if there is any negligence in controlling the situation.​

CEO Manoj Agarwal said that if any weapons, bombs, or bullets are recovered in any area on the day of voting, the Officers in Charge of the concerned police station will have to take action. Otherwise, the Commission will take strict action.

The CEO also asked why those accused of creating unrest during the last Assembly election have not been arrested so far. ​

He ordered the police to identify the criminals in the districts. Those who already have cases of violence against them should be kept in mind so that they do not spread unrest again in this election, the CEO said.​

It is worth mentioning that the Election Commission is strict on conducting free and fair elections this time. ​

The first phase of voting in the state is on April 23. Only five days are left. In this atmosphere, the Commission held a virtual meeting to provide the police with detailed instructions for the first phase of the elections.​

In a virtual meeting with the Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police from 16 districts on Saturday, Manoj Agarwal said that the police must play an important role in preventing any unrest during elections. ​

Incidentally, the Commission has assigned more than 40,000 state police to monitor the first phase of voting.​

According to sources, the Commission's CCTV cameras will keep a close watch on every booth to ensure peaceful voting. Saturday's meeting was held to clarify those instructions. ​

The Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police of the concerned districts attended the Commission's virtual meeting. Police observers appointed by the Commission were also present.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good move, but why wait for the election? The CEO's question is valid - why haven't the accused from last time been arrested yet? This reactive approach needs to change. Proactive policing is what we need for a permanent solution.
S
Suresh O
40,000 police and CCTV at every booth sounds impressive on paper. Let's see if it works on the ground. In our area, local goons are still moving freely. Action against the police if they fail is a strong warning though.
M
Meera T
As a teacher, I always tell my students about the importance of voting. It's sad that we need such heavy security for a fundamental right. Hoping for a peaceful and fair election so every vote counts! 🇮🇳
A
Aman W
Identifying past offenders is crucial. These "bahubalis" spoil the entire process. The police must have a list ready and keep a strict watch. The EC seems serious this time, which is a good sign for democracy.
K
Kavitha C
Instructions are one thing, implementation is another. The police often work under political pressure in Bengal. Will the EC have the backbone to actually suspend senior officers if needed? That's the real test.

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