ECI seeks Bengal Police report on security withdrawal for tainted leaders

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday sought a status report from West Bengal Police on the implementation of its directive to withdraw state-provided security cover for “tainted” political leaders, irrespective of party affiliation.

The commission has asked nodal officers overseeing the upcoming assembly elections to submit the report by noon, following the expiry of its deadline — midnight Thursday — for withdrawing such security arrangements.

The earlier ECI order mandated removal of security cover for leaders with criminal records, including those out on bail or parole, those accused in past cases, and individuals with a history of criminal involvement. It also directed action against those enjoying unauthorised security despite not being entitled to it under protocol.

In cases where non-bailable warrants are pending against political leaders, the commission has instructed authorities to execute them within a reasonable timeframe.

Alongside, the ECI has directed both the state police and Kolkata Police to expedite disposal of poll-related criminal cases from previous elections.

Senior field officers — including SDPOs and DSPs — have been tasked with preparing lists of absconding accused and launching targeted raids to apprehend them. Station-level officers have been instructed to identify crime-prone pockets, track history-sheeters, and curb potential poll-related violence.

The commission has also emphasised the need to ensure security for all political campaign activities, regardless of party, and to safeguard personnel engaged in election duties.

The two-phase assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled for 23 April and 29 April, covering 152 and 142 constituencies respectively, with counting set for 4 May.

With IANS inputs