Kolkata: Tension escalated outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office first on Monday following a protest over alleged irregularities in voter list-related Form 6 submissions. An FIR has been registered at Hare Street police station against several Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillors in connection with the gherao of the CEO’s office.
Amid these allegations, TMC councillors and supporters staged a protest outside the CEO’s office, which later turned confrontational. According to the Election Commission authorities, a councillor, along with a group of supporters, allegedly gheraoed the office premises late at night, raised slogans and attempted to intimidate officials. The CEO’s office described the incident as “anti-social activity” and asserted that strict legal action would follow.
Following the incident, police initiated a case at Hare Street police station. CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify those involved in the protest and alleged disruption.
Now the Election Commission has filed an FIR. According to police sources, the list of accused includes TMC councillor Shantiranjan Kundu of Ward 32 and TMC councillor Sachin Singh of Ward 36. Cases have also been registered under specific sections against Moidul, Mohammad Wasim, Chandrakanta Singh, and Mohammad Rizwan Ali.
The situation outside the CEO’s office had already been volatile for days. Clashes were reported and in response to the unrest, security around the CEO’s office was significantly tightened.
Prohibitory orders were imposed and later extended to the surrounding areas, including Strand Road.