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ECI Orders Bengal Officials to Inspect Violence-Prone Polling Areas by Tomorrow

The Election Commission has directed senior district and police officials in West Bengal to personally visit areas that witnessed violence during previous elections and submit a report by Tuesday evening. Officials must ensure mobile and wireless communication systems are set up at each polling station. Separate guidelines mandate strict impartiality for polling personnel and immediate reporting of any irregularities. Concurrently, Kolkata Police has ordered all stations to execute pending arrest warrants against miscreants ahead of the two-phase Assembly polls beginning April 23.

Key Points: ECI Directs Bengal DMs, SPs to Inspect Violence-Prone Areas

  • Direct inspection of past violence sites
  • Mandatory communication systems at booths
  • Strict impartiality rules for polling staff
  • Execution of pending arrest warrants ordered
2 min read

ECI directs DMs, SPs to inspect violence-prone areas in Bengal, submit report by tomorrow

Election Commission orders West Bengal officials to inspect areas with past poll violence and submit report by April 16. Assembly polls in two phases.

"visit violence-prone areas... and submit a detailed report by 5 p.m. on April 16 - Election Commission Official"

Kolkata, April 15

The Election Commission has directed District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Police Superintendents in West Bengal to visit violence-prone areas in the state and submit a detailed report by 5 p.m. on April 16, an official of the Commission said on Wednesday.

In addition, the ECI also asked them to set up mobile, satellite, and wireless communication systems in each polling station.

The instructions require senior district and police officials to inspect booths and localities that witnessed violence during the 2021 Assembly polls, the 2023 Panchayat elections, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Areas where violence occurred before, during, or after polling are also to be covered.

As per the instructions, the DMs will have to visit the areas along with police officers. Instructions have also been given to fix the communication system ahead of the Assembly polls.

Separately, the Election Commission has reiterated guidelines for polling personnel, stressing strict impartiality and prohibiting acceptance of any political influence, gifts, or benefits. Mock polls have been made mandatory before voting, while EVMs and VVPATs must be checked prior to the polling. Any irregularity during voting is to be reported immediately through the ECInet app or to the office of the state's Chief Electoral Officer.

If necessary, the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) should also be taken into the loop.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police on Tuesday instructed all police stations under its jurisdiction to immediately execute pending arrest warrants against miscreants. Police have been asked to either arrest those with warrants or report the action taken to Lalbazar, the city police headquarters in Kolkata. The directive applies to both bailable and non-bailable warrants. It said the concerned police station must be informed about the action being taken.

West Bengal Assembly polls are being held in two phases. First phase voting will take place on April 23, and the second phase on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move! But the real test is implementation. We've seen directives before, but violence still happens. The communication systems in polling booths are crucial. In remote areas, if there's no network, how will they report irregularities? 🤔
R
Rohit P
Finally some action on pending arrest warrants! This should have been done weeks ago. Clearing out the troublemakers before polling day is essential for a peaceful environment. Let's see if Lalbazar actually follows through.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I appreciate the detailed instructions about EVM checks and mock polls. Transparency in the voting process builds public trust. The emphasis on impartiality for polling personnel is the most important part. No one should feel intimidated while casting their vote.
V
Vikram M
The directive to visit areas with past violence is key. But will the DM and SP go without local police who might be influenced? They need to make surprise visits. Also, hope the report by 5 PM tomorrow isn't just a rushed paperwork exercise. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the ECI's intentions seem good, this feels like too little, too late. The elections are days away. This inspection and reporting should have been part of the standard operating procedure months in advance. Now it seems like a reaction to pressure.
M
Meera T

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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