Election Commission Demands Improved Security Measures Following Breach at Kolkata Office

The Election Commission of India has issued a formal communication to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma regarding a concerning "security breach" at the Election Commission office located in central Kolkata.

The communication emphasizes that "the current security arrangements at the Chief Electoral Officer's office appear insufficient to manage the situation, potentially endangering the safety of the Chief Electoral Officer, Additional Chief Electoral Officers, Joint Chief Electoral Officers, Deputy Chief Electoral Officers, and other staff members working in the Chief Electoral Officer's office."

The incident occurred on November 24 when a group of protesting Booth Level Officers (BLOs) forcefully entered the CEO's office. They voiced complaints about excessive work pressure and highlighted the deaths of several BLOs during the implementation of the special Intensive Revision (SIR).

In its letter, the Election Commission stated: "The Commission has taken this incident very seriously and directs the police authorities to implement all possible measures to ensure the protection of officers and staff at the CEO's office, their residences, and during their commutes. The Commission further instructs that appropriate security classification should be conducted due to the sensitivity of SIR activities and upcoming state elections, to prevent any further incidents."

The Election Commission has requested that the Police Commissioner submit a comprehensive report addressing these concerns within 24 hours.