Police Action in Diamond Harbour Amid Voter Intimidation Claims

Police File FIR Following Voter Intimidation Reports

In the Diamond Harbour area of West Bengal's 24 Parganas district, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in response to allegations of voter intimidation, as directed by the Election Commission. Officials confirmed this development on Sunday.

The Election Commission received complaints indicating that certain individuals were threatening voters in the Kakdwip region of Diamond Harbour. Reports mentioned a motorcycle rally where intimidating slogans were directed at voters. Consequently, the Election Commission instructed local election officials and police to take immediate action, requiring them to report back by Sunday evening.

Details of the FIR

Within hours of the complaint, an FIR was lodged at the Diamond Harbour police station against the alleged offenders. According to officials, the FIR includes several serious charges, such as intimidating voters, creating fear, attempting to disturb public peace, and obstructing government operations.

Election Commission's Measures

The Election Commission is actively implementing measures to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without fear. The first phase of voting took place on April 23 and was largely peaceful. The Commission is now focused on preventing any disturbances during the second phase of voting, scheduled for May 4.

Suspension of Police Officials

Notably, on Friday, the Election Commission suspended five police officials from Diamond Harbour, including the Additional Superintendent of Police and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). The Commission informed the state's Chief Secretary that these officials were being penalized for serious violations of the code of conduct and for failing to maintain impartiality.

TMC's Response

In response to media reports regarding a video from Diamond Harbour, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) stated, 'We have received a video related to Diamond Harbour, which is being shared with the Election Commission. It claims that TMC leaders are intimidating people. Campaigning is allowed until 10 PM, and this motorcycle rally occurred around 9:51-52 PM. No inflammatory slogans were raised, but the 'Jai Bangla' chants do seem to unsettle anti-Bengal elements.'

Further TMC Allegations

The TMC further questioned the Election Commission about actions taken against a police observer who was reportedly caught meeting secretly with a 'BJP candidate' at Hotel Sagarika in Diamond Harbour. They claimed that BJP leaders are being exposed, with reports of BJP members distributing money in the Muktaram Bazar area, which they believe led to the suspensions in Diamond Harbour.