CEC orders FIR in Malda case, hands over probe to NIA; Bans unlawful gatherings across state

Kolkata: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has directed the Bengal police to register FIRs against all those involved in the gherao of seven judicial officers, including three women, for over seven hours at a government office in Mothabari, Malda, on Wednesday, and ensure their prompt arrest.

Moreover, the Commission, on Thursday, handed over the probe into the gherao of the seven judicial officers in West Bengal’s Malda district to the National Investigating Agency (NIA), following a Supreme Court directive. In an April 2 letter to the NIA, the poll body referred to the apex court’s order and directed it to probe Wednesday’s incident. NIA team to visit Malda on Friday.

EC sources said judicial officers handling the adjudication of 60 lakh electors have already disposed of 52 lakh cases. Of around 50 lakh cases disposed of till Wednesday, nearly 23 lakh electors have been deleted—about 45 per cent of those under adjudication.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission published the 8th supplementary list on Thursday, which contained the names of around 3 lakh electors.

Kumar, along with senior officials of the Election Commission of India, held an urgent virtual meeting on Thursday with Bengal’s top administrative and police officials and Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, following directions from the Supreme Court of India to ensure an independent probe into the Malda violence.

Sources said the CEC expressed strong displeasure over the law and order situation and warned that any repeat of such incidents would invite strict action from the poll body against erring officials.

During the meeting, Kumar took the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Malda to task, questioning the alleged absence of senior police officers at the spot for a long time. He reprimanded the SP for a “lackadaisical attitude” in controlling the situation and asked the Director General of Police why preventive measures had not been taken in advance.

Kumar stressed the need to ensure the security of judicial officers handling the 60 lakh cases and directed that, in compliance with Supreme Court orders, additional protection be provided to them and their families as required.

He also reiterated six key objectives: preventing booth capturing, curbing bogus voting, ensuring violence-free polls, keeping elections free from political influence, creating a fearless environment for voters, and preventing obstruction to voters reaching polling booths.

State CEO Agarwal has written to the Chief Secretary, seeking steps to develop infrastructure for an electoral tribunal.

The S.P. Mukherjee Institute under the Ministry of Jal Shakti at Joka, Behala, has been selected to house the tribunal.

Nineteen benches will function from the first floor, with judges already earmarked by the Calcutta High Court. Approval for setting up the tribunal was received on Wednesday.

An e-application system has been launched, allowing electors whose names have been deleted to seek hearings before the tribunal. Aggrieved electors are also filing appeals with the concerned Sub-Divisional Officers and District Election Officers.

According to Commission sources, a blanket ban on unlawful gatherings across West Bengal will come into effect from Thursday. No rally, meeting or public gathering will be allowed without prior permission, and violations will invite immediate action.

Prior permission has also been made mandatory for visits to the office of the state CEO.

In a parallel move, the Commission has decided to reopen Strand Road and adjoining roads near the CEO’s office in Kolkata for the general public from Thursday morning.

The poll body has also issued a strong warning to the BLO Suraksha Mancha.

Sources said any attempt by the group to set up a stage or launch fresh protests will invite immediate action, including on-the-spot suspension if necessary.