A violent protest against Special Intensive Revision hearings erupted in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district on Thursday. Angry demonstrators targeted the Block Development Office in Chakulia, causing significant damage.
Office Ransacked and Documents Set Ablaze
The mob forcefully entered the BDO office premises. They removed furniture, official files, and various documents from the building. Protesters then piled these items outside and set them on fire.
According to sources familiar with the incident, enumeration forms related to the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls were likely destroyed in the blaze. This destruction could impact the revision process significantly.
Police Personnel Attacked and Injured
The protest turned violent when demonstrators blocked the road in front of the Chakulia BDO office. Police attempted to clear the blockade, but the situation escalated quickly.
Jobi Thomas, Superintendent of Police for North Dinajpur district, provided details about the confrontation. "The public was agitated and attacked the police," Thomas stated. "We conducted a lathicharge to disperse the mob."
Six police personnel sustained injuries during the clash, including the inspector in charge. Two officers required hospitalization for their injuries. The mob also ransacked the BDO office interior during the disturbance.
TMC MLA Defends Protesters' Actions
Trinamool Congress Chakulia MLA Minajul Arfin Azad spoke forcefully in defense of the protesters. He characterized the violence as a "mass outburst" stemming from public frustration.
"People are angry," Azad explained. "When people have filled out forms, why are they being called for hearings? In every booth, 70 to 80 people are being called. The figure for the Assembly constituency reaches thousands."
The MLA questioned the repeated demands for documentation. "How many times shall we show you the papers? The protest of these people is justified," he asserted.
Azad issued a warning about potential future actions. "Our boys have agitated. If they do not understand, we will agitate again. If necessary, we will go to Delhi and protest," he declared, referring to the Election Commission of India and the BJP.
Police Response and Investigation
Following the incident, the BDO filed a formal complaint about the office ransacking. Police registered a First Information Report and launched an investigation into the violence.
Authorities have detained ten individuals in connection with the protest so far. The investigation continues as police examine the full scope of the incident.
Similar Incident in Murshidabad District
This violence follows another anti-SIR protest just one day earlier in Farakka, located in Murshidabad district. In that incident, a mob allegedly led by TMC leaders barged into a BDO's office and assaulted the officer.
Protesters threw chairs at the BDO and attempted to ransack the room. The Election Commission of India intervened, requesting a report from the District Election Officer, who also serves as District Magistrate.
The ECI directed the filing of an FIR regarding the Farakka incident. BDO Junaid Ahmed filed a complaint against unknown persons for ransacking his office. Police subsequently arrested two individuals in connection with that case.
These consecutive incidents highlight growing tensions surrounding the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal. The violence raises concerns about electoral roll verification procedures and public response to administrative requirements.
