Kolkata, April 25: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed 11 additional police observers for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, scheduled for April 29. This move is aimed at reinforcing security across the 142 constituencies that will go to the polls in this phase.
An official from the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office in West Bengal confirmed the development, stating that these new observers are being brought in from other states. The decision to increase the number of observers stems from the ECI’s efforts to ensure a seamless and secure election process for the second phase. "The commission aims to eliminate any potential for unrest during the voting process. Despite the successful security arrangements in the first phase on April 23, there were a few isolated incidents of violence. The ECI is keen to prevent even such minor disturbances in the second phase," the official explained.
With these 11 new appointments, the total number of police observers in the state has now reached 95. Initially, the ECI had deployed 84 police observers for the election, a number already higher than in previous years. This increase reflects the heightened focus on ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections, particularly in sensitive areas, where additional vigilance has been ordered.
The CEO’s office noted that all the newly appointed police observers will be assigned to various sensitive constituencies and that the state police will be responsible for their security.
In related developments, the ECI has taken disciplinary action against five police officers from the Diamond Harbour Police District in South 24 Parganas. These officers have been suspended immediately, and departmental proceedings have been initiated against them for failing in their duties during the election process. Among the suspended officers are the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sandeep Garai (IPS), Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sajal Mandal, and the Inspectors-in-Charge of the Diamond Harbour, Falta, and Usthi Police Stations—Mousam Chakraborty, Ajay Bagh, and Sadhna Bagh, respectively.
Furthermore, the ECI has issued a stern warning to the Superintendent of Police for Diamond Harbour, Ishani Pal, for failing to properly oversee the conduct and performance of her subordinates during the election-related activities.
