Kolkata: The Election Commission (EC) has asked the DGP to submit an action-taken report by 5pm on Jan 6 over the attack on the roll observer for South 24-Parganas, C Murugan, on Dec 30. The EC directed the DGP to include measures taken by the police to fix responsibility. The poll panel also directed that henceforth, any roll observer or special observer on a field visit must be accompanied by a senior police officer.
Murugan was attacked at Magrahat on Dec 30 during a field visit, following which police lodged an FIR against 40 unknown persons. The roll observer's car was also damaged by the agitators. The incident "reflects serious lapses on the part of the police administration", the EC's note said.
"The EC has carefully examined the reports and noticed that despite advance intimation to the SDO and the SP, adequate security arrangements were not made. Murugan was compelled to move through sensitive areas without proper police protection," the EC added.