The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially received a crucial action taken report from the state's Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar. This report pertains to a serious incident involving the heckling and physical attack on a special observer appointed by the commission in South 24 Parganas district.
Details of the Magrahat Incident
The unsettling event occurred on December 30, when the ECI-appointed special observer, C Murugan, an IAS officer, was carrying out his official duties. Murugan was at Magrahat, engaged in reviewing and supervising hearing sessions related to electoral rolls. During this time, a group of individuals not only attacked his official vehicle but also personally heckled him, creating a major security and law-and-order concern.
Following the attack, C Murugan filed a detailed report with the ECI's headquarters in New Delhi. Taking swift cognizance of the matter, the Election Commission, on January 3, directed the state police chief, DGP Rajeev Kumar, to investigate and submit a report. The commission had set a strict deadline for this report, which was Tuesday.
Commission Receives Report, Contents Under Scrutiny
An official from the Election Commission confirmed the development, stating simply, "The ATR (Action Taken Report) was received." The official refrained from commenting on the specific contents or findings detailed in the DGP's report. The submission meets the Tuesday deadline set by the poll body, but the focus now shifts to what actions have been recommended or initiated based on the investigation.
Observer Continues Duty Amid Tension
Demonstrating commitment to his role despite the earlier threat, special observer C Murugan was back on the ground on Tuesday. He visited multiple locations in the Joynagar and Sonarpur areas. His purpose was to take first-hand stock of the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) hearings, a critical process ahead of any election. This continued engagement underscores the importance of the observer's work in ensuring a clean electoral roll.
The incident has raised significant questions about the safety of central officials deployed for election duty and the challenges of maintaining law and order during the sensitive pre-election period. The Election Commission's next steps, based on the DGP's report, will be closely watched.
