West Bengal: 'Lack of supervision' to prevent violence prompts EC to remove DIG of Murshidabad

EC had taken note of two instances of violence in Murshidabad where weapons and explosives were used. During the Panchayat elections of 2023, Murshidabad saw widespread pre-poll violence that led to the death and injury of several party workers from BJP and Congress

West Bengal: 'Lack of supervision' to prevent violence prompts EC to remove DIG of Murshidabad

The Election Commission of India (ECI) fired the DIG of West Bengal's Murshidabad on Monday in a significant crackdown on poll violence due to his "lack of supervision" and "failure" to handle the violent situation in the area and promptly stop such events.

According to sources, the ECI was made aware of two violent incidents in Murshidabad involving the use of explosives and guns.

While visiting the state ahead of announcing the Lok Sabha poll dates, the polling body had said there would be zero tolerance for election violence and that responsibility would be fixed at “higher levels”.

Polling on 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal will be held in seven phases between April 19 to June 1. The state has a history of political violence in the elections and the panchayat polls held in 2023, about 50 people have lost their lives.

Violence in Murshidabad 

During the Panchayat elections of 2023, Murshidabad saw widespread pre-poll violence that led to the death and injury of several party workers from BJP and Congress.

Clashes between Trinamool Congress and Congress resulted in the death of at least one party worker of the grand old party.

Meanwhile, four BJP workers were severely injured after being shot at by TMC workers.