Kolkata, April 26: The West Bengal police have registered an FIR in Diamond Harbour, located in the 24 Parganas district, following directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI). This action comes after complaints of voter intimidation in the Kakdwip area of Diamond Harbour.
Reports indicate that a procession on motorcycles was held, during which threatening slogans were directed at voters. The Election Commission has instructed local election officials and police to take necessary actions, with a deadline set for Sunday evening.
Within hours of the complaint being filed, police lodged an FIR at the Diamond Harbour police station against the offenders. The FIR includes multiple charges, such as intimidation, attempts to disturb public peace, and obstruction of government duties.
The complaint alleges that individuals on motorcycles openly threatened voters in Diamond Harbour, warning them of repercussions after May 4.
In response, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) issued a statement regarding the ECI’s actions, claiming to have received a video from Diamond Harbour that the Election Commission is sharing with the media. The video allegedly shows TMC leaders intimidating the public. The TMC emphasized that election campaigning is permitted until 10 PM, and the motorcycle rally occurred around 9:51 PM, asserting that no provocative slogans were chanted. They expressed concern that anti-Bengal elements might feel threatened by their chants of “Jai Bangla.” Additionally, they questioned what actions were taken against a police observer caught secretly meeting with a BJP candidate at Hotel Sagarika in Diamond Harbour.
On the other hand, the Election Commission stated that voters and the ECI are facing similar challenges. They are actively monitoring the situation to prevent any further threats.
The first phase of voting on April 23 was largely peaceful. The Commission is striving to ensure that the second phase of voting proceeds without disturbances and is conducted smoothly.
On Friday, the Election Commission suspended five police officers, including the additional superintendent of police and the sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Diamond Harbour. The state’s chief secretary has been informed that these officers were suspended for serious violations of the code of conduct and failure to maintain impartiality.
Diamond Harbour is the constituency of TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, which encompasses seven assembly segments.
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