West Bengal Panchayat Elections: DG to Police: “Arrest All Culprits, Ensure Smooth Elections”

In response to reports of widespread violence during the panchayat election nomination process and accusations made against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) by the opposition, West Bengal Director General (DG) Manoj Malviya called an urgent meeting of all senior officials on Tuesday and urged them to apprehend all offenders and ensure the elections were conducted peacefully.

All police superintendents, commissioners, and senior Inspector General, Additional DG level personnel were present at the meeting. He made it clear that Bengal police officers are extremely capable, and one officer informed News18 that he trusts the cops would carry out their duties and apprehend the offenders. The message was quite clear: “We can arrest regardless of political affiliation.”

On July 8, panchayat elections will take place. In Murshidabad, there have been reports of violence from Bhangar to Domkal. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Bhangar was in a state of disarray due to fights between the TMC and Indian Secular Front (ISF). Locals claim that at Bhangar, the cops were also assaulted.

Many in the administration think the meeting requested by the DG is important since concerns have been expressed about the role of the police in several areas. Sujan Chakraborty, CPIM, told News18 that none of the meetings will be effective. This is a waste of time. The cops support the TMC locally.

The police have been accused of being biased by the opposition, according to Suvendhu Adhikary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

However, according to police sources, they have detained those who are suspected of being involved in last Friday’s murder of Khargram and all other incidents, including politicians.

The State Election Commission (SEC) has also been ordered by the Calcutta High Court to deploy central soldiers in critical regions. CCTV surveillance and recording are essential.