‘Ensure safety and security of staff’: ECI to Kolkata Police after ‘security breach’ at CEO office
The Statesman | 27 November 2025
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday wrote a letter to the Kolkata Police Commissioner, citing the law and order situation, and safety and security of its officers and staff in West Bengal.
The letter, written on behalf of the poll panel by Secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra, stated that a serious security breach occurred at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. The letter did not reveal further details but said the incident was widely reported in the media.
“The existing security in the office of the CEO appeared to be inadequate to handle the situation, which could lead to threat to the safety and security of the Chief Electoral Officer, Additional Chief Electoral Officers, Joint Chief Electoral Officers, Deputy Chief Electoral Officers and other officers and staff working in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer,” the letter read.
The ECI said it has taken a serious view of the incident of breach of security at the CEO, West Bengal, office and directs the Bengal police to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of its officers and staff.
The Commission demanded enhanced security at the office of the CEO, at the staff’s residences, and during their commute.
“The Commission further directs that adequate security classification shall be done on account of sensitivity involved due to SIR activities and forthcoming elections in the State and ensure that no untoward incident occurs again. An action taken report may be sent to the Commission within 48 Hours of receipt of this letter,” the letter read further.
It may be noted that members of the BLO (Booth Level Officers) Adhikar Raksha Committee started a dharna outside the West Bengal CEO office on Monday afternoon, protesting against ‘excessive work pressure’ due to the ongoing SIR exercise. The protest escalated Monday night when the demonstrators clashed with police and gheraoed the CEO’s chamber, and refused to budge. They demanded a meeting with CEO Manoj Agarwal on Tuesday.
After the meeting materialised yesterday with a 10-member delegation, including four BLOs and six teachers or state government employees, managing to speak to the CEO, the protest was called off. The delegation also submitted a list of their demands during their meeting with the CEO.
The BLOs, meanwhile, continued their protest outside the building.