A micro observer appointed by the Election Commission for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was allegedly slapped and punched during a hearing in Kumarganj area of Dakshin Dinajpur district on Monday evening, triggering security concerns and a political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
According to local reports, the incident occurred at an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centre located adjacent to the Block Development Officer’s (BDO) office, where an SIR hearing was being conducted for voters from booths 123, 124, and 125 under the Zakhirpur Gram Panchayat. The hearing reportedly turned chaotic after several voters were informed that their names had been marked as “no match found” during the verification process.
Sources said that over 200 voters were listed under the “no match found” category, leading to strong objections and protests by those present. The agitated crowd allegedly pressured the micro observer, identified as Dibyendu Gorai, to alter the verification outcome. When he refused to change the official record, he was allegedly slapped and punched by some individuals in the gathering.
Another micro observer, Dilip Lakra, who attempted to intervene and control the situation, was also reportedly manhandled. Eyewitnesses claimed that protesters shouted slogans and accused officials of ignoring valid identity documents submitted during the verification process. Amid the escalating tension, local residents stepped in and rescued Gorai, escorting him safely to the BDO office.
Police personnel reached the spot shortly after the incident; however, neither the district police nor the local administration officially confirmed the physical assault in their initial statements. A video purportedly showing the altercation has since gone viral on social media, intensifying public and political scrutiny.
In the aftermath of the incident, security arrangements at the Kumarganj BDO office were significantly 강화, with additional police personnel and combat forces deployed to prevent further unrest. District Superintendent of Police Chinmoy Mitta stated that a detailed investigation into the incident is underway and assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings.
The episode quickly snowballed into a political controversy, with the BJP alleging that supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress were behind the attack. Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar termed the incident a “direct assault on democracy” and demanded immediate arrests and strict punishment for those involved.
Majumdar further alleged that officials engaged in the SIR process were facing continuous threats and intimidation, claiming that attempts were being made to forcibly influence electoral roll hearings. “A shocking incident has occurred where a micro observer associated with the Election Commission was publicly assaulted. Complaints of threats and coercion by Trinamool-backed miscreants are emerging daily. This is nothing but an attack on democracy,” he said.
The Trinamool Congress, however, categorically denied the allegations. TMC leader Subhash Chaki dismissed claims of party involvement, stating that the incident was a spontaneous public reaction. Party spokesperson Aroop Chakraborty condemned the act of violence but raised questions over the conduct of the SIR process in West Bengal.
“Violence of any kind cannot be justified. But why is it that micro observers are being appointed only in Bengal when SIR is taking place in 13 states? In the name of discrepancies, people here are being harassed. The people of Bengal are not fools,” Chakraborty said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
As investigations continue, the incident has once again brought the spotlight on the sensitive nature of electoral processes in West Bengal, raising concerns over the safety of election officials and the politicisation of voter verification exercises ahead of crucial electoral timelines.
