EC Observer's Vehicle Attacked in Magrahat
By KUNAL CHATTERJEE
KOLKATA: In a shocking escalation of unrest during a Special Investigation Report (SIR) hearing, the vehicle of the Election Commission's special observer, C. Murugan, faced a violent mob attack in Magrahat, South 24 Parganas, on Monday. The incident unfolded in this tense region, spotlighting glaring security lapses for officials monitoring poll irregularities.
Murugan had arrived at a school hearing centre to scrutinise documents and meet micro-observers. Over 100 protesters gathered nearby, prompting Usthi police intervention that temporarily calmed the situation. Departing for ITI college via Magrahat Block 2, his car came under siege. Allegations claim protesters vandalised the vehicle, shattered locks, and tried dragging the driver out after surrounding the BDO office.
The driver, shaken and insecure, recounted, "Women gathered near Magrahat Block 2. They hit the car windows and broke the locks. There was no police force. No protection was provided. The protection that should have been provided by the SP was not given here."
Murugan remained resolute. He said, "The Commission has given me a specific responsibility. I have come to do my job, and I will complete it." He vowed to submit a detailed report to the Election Commission, adding, "I will report what they did."
Critics question the observer's vulnerability. There was no pilot car or minimal security despite multiple stops since morning. The driver's terror underscores broader concerns over law enforcement's role in safeguarding electoral integrity amid heightened political friction.
This brazen assault raises alarms about violence targeting poll watchdogs in West Bengal's volatile pockets. As Murugan presses on, demands grow for robust security protocols to shield observers and ensure unbiased investigations.
