Police summons 2 Trinamool Councillors over chaos outside CEO's office

Kolkata Police has intensified its investigation into the unrest outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer on Strand Road, issuing official notices to two prominent TMC councillors—Shantiranjan Kundu (Ward No. 32) and Sachin Singh (Ward No. 36). Both leaders have been instructed to appear at Hare Street Police Station, cooperate with the investigation, and respond to questioning. An FIR had already been registered, naming six individuals in connection with the incident.

The controversy stems from allegations regarding the misuse of Form-6, which is used to add new voters to the electoral rolls. On the midnight of March 31 and April 1, supporters of the Trinamool Congress and councillors reportedly staged a protest outside the CEO office. They claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party was submitting thousands of Form-6 applications to include “outsiders” illegally in West Bengal’s voter list, which the protesters argued was an attempt to manipulate the democratic process.

According to the FIR, those involved face charges of unlawful assembly in a restricted area, obstruction of government work, and refusal to vacate despite repeated police warnings. Protesters raised slogans against Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, creating a tense situation that required heavy barricading. For security purposes, the police have extended the scope of Section 163 (formerly Section 144) in the area.

The Election Commission expressed strong displeasure over the incident, describing it as improper interference with official duties. Following this, Kolkata Police stepped up its investigation and issued notices to the councillors. Politically, the move has escalated tensions, with the TMC claiming it is an attempt to suppress opposition voices, while the BJP described it as a “desperate move” aimed at pressuring the Commission.

At present, Hare Street Police Station is investigating whether the gherao was premeditated. Authorities are closely monitoring how the councillors respond to questioning and the potential legal outcomes in the coming days, which could have wider implications for law and order during the ongoing assembly elections.