EC seeks action taken report on attack on roll observer from DGP, sets Jan 6 deadline

Why it matters

The Election Commission has sought an Action Taken Report from the West Bengal DGP after Electoral Roll Observer C Murugan’s convoy was allegedly attacked during his visit to SIR hearing camps in South 24 Parganas on December 29.

Key takeaways

• The EC has flagged serious security lapses during Electoral Roll Observer C Murugan’s visit to SIR camps in South 24 Parganas and sought an ATR from the WB DGP by January 6.Flagging “serious security lapses” during the visit of Electoral Roll Observer C Murugan to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing camps in South 24 Parganas district, the Election Commission on Saturday asked the West Bengal Director General of Police to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the December 29 incident in which the convoy of special roll observer, C Murugan, was allegedly attacked.The DGP has been asked to submit the ATR by January 6.The letter written by Secretary (EC) Sujit Kumar Mishra has also asked the top cop to arrange “adequate security” for special roll observers in the state.“C Murugan, Electoral Roll Observer in his letter dated 30.12.2025 (copy enclosed) has reported a series of incidents that occurred during his visit to SIR hearing camps in Magrahat – 1, Magrahat – Il and Kulpi Block of Diamond Harbour Sub-Division in South 24 Parganas… Further, the report of the Special Electoral Roll Observer and note submitted by the state Chief Electoral Officer also mentions serious and disturbing incidents that occurred during the visit,” the EC wrote.“The Commission… noticed that despite advance intimation of the tour programme to the SDO and Superintendent of Police, adequate security arrangements were not made and the Electoral Roll Observer was compelled to move through sensitive areas without proper police protection,” it added.“The Commission has viewed these lapses seriously and directs you to furnish an ATR on the said incidents, including details of police action taken, follow-up measures, and steps initiated to fix responsibility, latest by Tuesday, 5 PM, to the Commission,” the EC wrote.“The Commission expects strict compliance for the above directions so as to ensure a secure environment for the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision and other electoral processes,” it added.