The Election Commission Wednesday wrote to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, alleging “serious security breach” during the ongoing protest by BLOs at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kolkata, and sought an action-taken report within 48 hours.
“I am directed to state that it has come to the notice of the Election Commission of India that on 24.11.2025 a serious security breach has occurred at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, which has also been widely reported in the media,” the letter stated.
“The existing security in the office of the CEO appeared to be inadequate to handle the situation, which could lead to a 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 added.
The EC instructed the police to implement all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the officers and staff assigned to the office of CEO Manoj Agarwal, including their safety at home and during their commutes. The EC directed adequate security classification “on account of sensitivity involved due to SIR activities and forthcoming elections”.
The ECI letter came after the demonstration led by the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee outside the CEO’s office, citing excessive work pressure during the ongoing SIR. The protesters initially gathered for a rally on Monday but ended up spending the night inside the CEO’s office, demanding to meet CEO Agarwal.
On Monday, police allowed a 13-member delegation to submit a deputation, briefly easing tension. But fresh unrest erupted again. Around 4.30 pm, several committee members sat outside CEO’s chamber, demanding Agarwal himself accept the memorandum. On Tuesday morning, the same group continued their sit-in, waiting for CEO, while the corridor outside his office was crowded with security personnel. Later, after the CEO met them briefly.