The unfolding developments across West Bengal during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have raised serious concerns about law and order under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, with repeated incidents pointing towards a hostile environment for officials on duty. Over the past several months, multiple reports from districts such as Malda, Nadia, Murshidabad, Dakshin Dinajpur, and South 24 Parganas have highlighted allegations of assault, intimidation, obstruction of duty, and organised disruptions, putting the spotlight on the state administration’s handling of the situation. The SIR exercise, which is essential for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls, requires Booth Level Officers and other officials to conduct field verification and public hearings, yet many have reportedly faced resistance ranging from verbal threats to physical attacks.
In several instances, large groups allegedly prevented officials from carrying out their responsibilities, raising questions about whether adequate protection and administrative backing were provided. The situation has escalated to the extent that even judicial forums, including the Supreme Court of India, have taken note of emerging law and order concerns. Reports of damaged public property, intimidation of government staff, and repeated disruptions across districts suggest not isolated incidents but a pattern that reflects administrative failure and political indifference. With such recurring breakdowns during a critical democratic exercise, the developments have intensified scrutiny over governance in the state, particularly on whether the current dispensation has been able to ensure a safe and neutral environment for conducting electoral processes.
13 Incidents: Attack on SIR official in West Bengal (Nov 25-April 26) are given below.
1. FIR Filed Against TMC Councillors Over Unlawful Gathering Outside CEO’s Office in Kolkata
Kolkata, April 2: A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against multiple individuals, including two Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillors, for allegedly disobeying police directives, raising slogans, and gathering unlawfully outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) at 13 Strand Road, Fairlie Place, Kolkata.
The councillors have been identified as Ward 36 councillor Sachin Singh and Ward 32 councillor Shanti Ranjan Kundu. According to officials, six prominent individuals have been named in the complaint, while several others remain unidentified. Those booked include Moidul, Mohammad Wasim, Chandrakanta Singh, and Mohammad Rizwan Ali.
In a social media post issued a day earlier(1 April), the CEO, West Bengal stated that a councillor from Beleghata, along with others, had gheraoed the CEO’s office late at night and raised slogans. The post added that such activities would not be tolerated and that the law would take its course, while affirming that efforts would continue to ensure free and fair assembly elections.
According to the FIR, despite repeated requests and lawful directions from the police to disperse, the group allegedly refused to comply and continued their activities, which reportedly deterred public servants from performing their duties. The complaint further stated that the assembly partially obstructed a public road, disrupting traffic and public movement, and included allegations of provocative and intimidating slogans directed at the CEO, West Bengal.
The gathering was reportedly organised to protest against the submission of Form 6 applications outside the CEO’s office, located beneath the Hare Street police station. Earlier, on March 31, a group of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), supported by the ruling TMC, had also assembled at the site over alleged manipulation of voter lists and were involved in altercations with BJP members and police. Authorities stated that the gathering violated regulations by taking place without authorisation.
An official noted that the situation became tense for a period as the crowd continued to assemble despite instructions to disperse. CEO Manoj Agarwal stated that Section 163 had been imposed in the area by the Kolkata Police Commissioner, adding that maintaining order was the responsibility of the police and that the Commission would take necessary action if required.
Citing concerns over law and order, the government partially revised the boundaries of the BNSS Section 163 area surrounding the CEO’s office. Similar protests by supporters of the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) in front of the same office had earlier led to altercations with security personnel.
Authorities stated that CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify individuals involved in the latest demonstration, and the matter remains under investigation.
2. Seven Election Observers Held Hostage in West Bengal’s Malda; Supreme Court Seeks Accountability
Kolkata, April 1, 2026: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over an incident in West Bengal’s Malda district where seven election observers associated with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process were allegedly held hostage for nine hours. The court stated that the officials were confined without access to food and water and described the incident as appearing “planned and provocative.”
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi observed that law and order in the state had collapsed. The bench sought responses from the state’s Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and other officials regarding their alleged inaction. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has referred the matter to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), whose team is scheduled to reach West Bengal on Friday.
According to reports, seven judicial officers, including three women, had reached the BDO office in Matabari, Malda, around 2 pm on Wednesday in connection with SIR-related work. Earlier that day, at around 10 am, protesters had begun assembling in small groups near the office and later gathered in larger numbers.
By around 6 pm, thousands of local residents had assembled outside the office, protesting against the alleged deletion of names from the voter list. At approximately 7 pm, the protesters surrounded the office and prevented the officials from leaving, demanding that they be allowed to present their grievances directly to them. The request was reportedly denied.
The standoff continued for several hours. At around 11 pm, police intervened and escorted the officials out under security. During the evacuation, attempts were made to stop the vehicles by placing barricades. Around midnight, the vehicles carrying the officials were allegedly attacked with bricks, and their windows were damaged.
The protests continued for a second consecutive day on Thursday. A crowd gathered near the BSF camp at Narayanpur and blocked National Highway-12. Tyres were set on fire on the road, disrupting movement.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice questioned the sequence of events and the response of the authorities. It was noted that the district collector was not present at the site until late at night. The court also observed that it had to issue oral directions during the night and remarked on the lack of basic provisions for the officials during the incident.
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Shyam Divan, Gopal Sankaranarayanan, and Menaka Guruswamy appeared in the matter, along with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu representing the Election Commission of India. During the proceedings, differing submissions were made regarding the nature of the protest and the adequacy of security arrangements.
The court also raised questions regarding the role of political leaders, noting that if the protest was non-political, their presence or absence at the site required clarification. It further remarked on the broader political environment in the state and its impact on compliance with court orders.
The protests are linked to allegations that, following the SIR process, names of thousands of voters in Malda and other border districts were removed from electoral rolls without adequate notice. Reports indicate that more than 100 villages in Malda were affected. While official figures have not been released, local sources and gram panchayats have reported varying numbers of deletions, including 427 names in Shilalampur in Kaliachak-2 and between 50 and 200 in other villages. It is also reported that approximately 5% to 10% of voters in affected areas were placed under adjudication, with many ultimately excluded from the final list.
Reasons cited for the deletions include discrepancies in submitted documents, prolonged absence from registered addresses, and technical or procedural errors such as duplicate entries or incorrect dates of birth.
Political reactions followed the incident. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the Election Commission was responsible. The Trinamool Congress attributed the situation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging failures in ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order, and called for his resignation.
The Bharatiya Janata Party described the situation as indicative of a breakdown of law and order in the state. Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari stated on social media that a violent mob had held judicial officers hostage and disrupted movement by blocking highways. Another spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, alleged that the state government had failed in its responsibility to ensure security.
The SIR process in West Bengal remains ongoing. The final voter list was published on February 28, containing approximately 7.04 crore names. Around 60 lakh entries were placed under judicial scrutiny, and 705 judicial officers were appointed to decide on their inclusion or removal.
3. Booth-Level Officer Injured in Alleged Assault During Voter Verification in West Bengal’s Nadia
Nadia, February 15, 2026: A booth-level officer (BLO) was seriously injured following an alleged assault during voter data verification work in West Bengal’s Nadia district as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
According to PTI, the incident occurred on Sunday in a village under the Kaliganj area when BLO Ali Saheb visited the location to verify cases involving “logical discrepancies” in voter records. During the visit, he informed resident Alifa Bibi, who was present with her husband Ayatullah Sheikh, that their family would be required to attend a special hearing to address issues in the documents submitted.
As per the police complaint, the BLO conveyed that a hearing would be necessary to resolve inconsistencies, including an age difference issue between the couple’s daughter and Sheikh. When the BLO stated that the matter could not be resolved at his level and would require intervention by the Election Commission through a special hearing, Sheikh allegedly attacked him with a stick.
The assault reportedly resulted in severe head injuries, causing heavy bleeding. The injured officer was taken for medical treatment, where several stitches were administered to his head.
Ayatullah Sheikh has denied the allegations of assault and filed a counter-complaint, accusing the BLO of misbehaviour and harassment of his family. Police officials stated that both the complaint and counter-complaint have been received and are under examination.
Authorities said further action would be taken in accordance with the law following the investigation.
The incident has highlighted the risks faced by field-level election personnel engaged in door-to-door verification work during the SIR process, which is scheduled to conclude with the publication of the final electoral roll on February 28.
4. Micro Observer Assaulted During SIR Hearing in West Bengal’s Dakshin Dinajpur; Political Row Erupts
Dakshin Dinajpur, January 24, 2026: A micro observer appointed by the Election Commission was allegedly assaulted during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing in the Kumarganj area of Dakshin Dinajpur district on Monday evening, leading to security concerns and a political dispute between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The incident reportedly took place at an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centre near the Block Development Officer’s (BDO) office, where hearings were being conducted for voters from booths 123, 124, and 125 under the Zakhirpur Gram Panchayat. According to local reports, tensions escalated after several voters were informed that their names had been marked as “no match found” during the verification process.
Sources indicated that over 200 voters were placed in the “no match found” category, prompting objections and protests from those present. The crowd allegedly pressured the micro observer, identified as Dibyendu Gorai, to change the verification outcome. When he refused, some individuals in the gathering allegedly slapped and punched him.
Another micro observer, Dilip Lakra, who attempted to intervene, was also reportedly manhandled. Eyewitnesses stated that protesters raised slogans and accused officials of disregarding valid identity documents submitted during verification. As the situation intensified, local residents intervened and escorted Gorai safely to the BDO office.
Police personnel arrived at the location shortly after the incident. However, initial statements from the district police and local administration did not officially confirm the reported physical assault. A video purportedly showing the altercation later circulated on social media.
Following the incident, security arrangements at the Kumarganj BDO office were increased, with additional police personnel and forces deployed. District Superintendent of Police Chinmoy Mitta stated that an investigation is underway and that action would be taken based on the findings.
The incident led to political reactions, with the BJP alleging involvement of supporters of the ruling TMC. Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar termed the incident a “direct assault on democracy” and called for immediate arrests and strict action against those responsible. He also alleged that officials engaged in the SIR process were facing threats and intimidation.
The Trinamool Congress denied the allegations. TMC leader Subhash Chaki rejected claims of party involvement, while party spokesperson Aroop Chakraborty condemned the violence but questioned aspects of the SIR process in the state, including the appointment of micro observers.
Authorities stated that the matter remains under investigation.
5. Protests Over SIR Hearing Notices Turn Violent in West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur; BDO Office Vandalised
Uttar Dinajpur, January 15, 2026: Hundreds of people staged protests in the Chakulia थाना area of West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district after receiving notices for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearings, leading to violence and damage at a Block Development Officer (BDO) office.
According to reports, the protesters initially blocked roads for a prolonged period before moving towards the BDO office in the Kahata area on Thursday. The crowd allegedly forced entry into the premises, damaged multiple rooms, and set fire to important documents after bringing them outside.
Police personnel were deployed in significant numbers to control the situation. Authorities used lathi charge to disperse the protesters, who in turn reportedly pelted stones and bricks, resulting in injuries to several police personnel.
Several employees of the BDO office were also reported to have been injured during the incident.
Protesters stated that they had earlier been asked to submit documents based on the 2002 voter list and questioned the need for another hearing. They also cited difficulties faced by individuals who lack educational certificates or are unable to attend hearings due to age.
Police officials stated that some individuals have been detained for questioning. The BDO has filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Chakulia police station regarding the vandalism and assault.
A copy of the FIR has been sent to the District Magistrate of Uttar Dinajpur, the Superintendent of Police, and the Sub-Divisional Officer of Islampur. CCTV footage related to the incident has also been handed over to the police as part of the investigation.
6. Micro Observers Withdraw from SIR Duty After Alleged Assault and Threats in West Bengal’s Murshidabad
Murshidabad, January 14, 2026: Micro observers deployed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the Farakka Assembly constituency of West Bengal’s Murshidabad district withdrew from duty after alleged assaults and repeated threats during field verification work.
According to the information provided, the observers were conducting door-to-door checks to identify discrepancies in the voter list when they were allegedly surrounded by local miscreants, assaulted, and obstructed from carrying out their duties.
Following the incident and continued reports of threats, a total of nine micro observers collectively wrote to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), expressing serious concerns regarding their safety.
Citing security risks, the observers subsequently decided to withdraw themselves from SIR-related duties in the area.
7. Tribal Female BLO Allegedly Assaulted by Abdul Rahim Gazi During SIR Exercise in West Bengal
Hooghly, January 3, 2026: A female Booth Level Officer (BLO) was allegedly assaulted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal’s Hooghly district after reporting a case related to voter registration.
The incident took place in Ward No. 2 of Dakuni city, where the BLO, identified as Bimli Tudu Hansada, was conducting verification work. According to reports, she informed higher authorities about the presence of an individual, Abdul Rahim Gazi, whose name was not listed in the electoral rolls.
The BLO stated that following this, she was physically attacked by Gazi and his family. She alleged that Gazi struck her with a shoe, while his wife created a disturbance at her residence. The victim said she reported the matter to the police and added that neighbours witnessed the incident.
She further stated that the accused had attempted to get his name included in the voter list by presenting a person from Burdwan district as his guardian.
Local Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Sheikh Ashraf Hossain, however, questioned the conduct of the BLO. He alleged that she had gone to the accused’s residence with a group of women and confronted him by holding his collar, which he claimed led to the incident.
Authorities have not provided further details, and the matter remains under scrutiny.
8. Special Electoral Roll Observer’s Car Attacked During SIR Hearing in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas
Magarahat, December 28, 2025: A Special Electoral Roll Observer appointed by the Election Commission, C. Murugan, faced protests and an attack on his vehicle during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing in the Magarahat area of South 24 Parganas district.
The incident occurred when Murugan visited a hearing centre at Magarahat Circle High School to review ongoing SIR-related work. According to reports, a group of voters present at the centre expressed strong dissatisfaction and protested against the process.
During the protest, Murugan’s vehicle was allegedly attacked, resulting in damage, including a broken door handle. Demonstrators raised concerns that voters were being harassed during the SIR process and questioned the manner in which hearings were being conducted.
A significant number of protesters, many of them women, alleged that instead of door-to-door verification, villagers were being called to centralised locations such as schools, causing inconvenience. They stated that elderly individuals were being made to stand in long queues for extended periods.
The protesters also raised demands related to pending wages under the 100-day employment scheme and questioned why booth-level agents were not being allowed inside the hearing centres. They alleged that the process was creating difficulties for ordinary citizens.
Despite the protests, Murugan interacted with micro observers at the centre and inquired about the verification of documents. He advised them to contact the Election Commission in case of any issues and indicated that he would complete his assigned work before leaving.
As he exited the venue, protesters, led by South 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad chairman and Trinamool Congress leader Mujibur Rahman, again surrounded him and reiterated their demands.
The incident occurred amid ongoing SIR hearings across the state, where voters marked under the “no mapping” category are being called to submit documents and clarify discrepancies. Complaints have been raised by several individuals regarding difficulties faced during the hearing process.
Separately, it was noted that instructions regarding the presence of Booth Level Agents (BLA-2s) at hearing centres had been a point of contention. While certain political leaders had advised their presence, Election Commission rules state that BLA-2s are not permitted inside hearing centres, where only authorised officials, including micro observers, are allowed.
Authorities have not reported further escalation, and the matter remains part of the broader ongoing SIR process in the state.
9. BLO’s Husband Assaulted in West Bengal’s Malda; Political Tensions Escalate
Malda, November 30, 2025: An incident of assault involving the husband of a Booth Level Officer (BLO) has been reported from West Bengal’s Malda district, leading to political reactions and demands for action.
According to reports, the incident took place in Datiyan village under Sultan Nagar Gram Panchayat in Harishchandrapur Block No. 2. The injured person is the husband of BLO Nivedita Mondal, who is also an assistant teacher.
The BLO alleged that her husband was attacked by a local individual identified as Kasimuddin, who she claimed is associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The injured person was admitted to a hospital following the assault.
She further alleged that there were attempts to settle the matter initially, but a First Information Report (FIR) was eventually registered after complaints were submitted by members of the local teaching community.
Teachers from various primary schools in the Harishchandrapur South Circle submitted a memorandum to the Block Development Officer (BDO) and the school inspector, seeking legal action against the ACCUSED, a proper investigation, and security for the affected teacher. They also warned of a larger protest if arrests were not made.
The incident triggered political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging involvement of a TMC leader in the assault.
The BLO also stated that the accused had allegedly been issuing threats after the incident, and expressed concerns over safety, stating that she felt unsafe and restricted in movement.
Police confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation into the matter is underway.
10. BLO Assaulted During SIR Work in West Bengal’s Birbhum; Accused Arrested
Birbhum, November 24, 2025: A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was allegedly assaulted during Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, following which the accused was arrested.
The incident occurred in the Dubrajpur Assembly constituency at Booth No. 148, where BLO Keshav Ghosh was engaged in distribution and collection of enumeration forms as part of the SIR process being conducted by the Election Commission.
According to police, the incident took place in Adampur village when a local resident, identified as Kala Khan, allegedly got into a dispute with the BLO over issues related to the SIR form. The altercation reportedly escalated, and the accused allegedly assaulted the BLO.
Following the incident, a complaint was lodged at the police station. Based on the complaint, police arrested the accused.
Authorities stated that further action would be taken in accordance with the investigation.
11. TMC Worker Arrested for Allegedly Threatening BLO During SIR in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas
North 24 Parganas, November 23, 2025: A Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker was arrested in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district for allegedly issuing death threats to a Booth Level Officer (BLO) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
The incident occurred in Najat under the Basirhat area, where BLO Deepak Mahto was reportedly threatened following a dispute over the absence of a 97-year-old voter’s name from the electoral rolls.
According to the complaint, the accused, identified as Jamirul Islam Molla, allegedly called the BLO and threatened him with consequences. An audio clip related to the incident later surfaced on social media, in which the accused was purportedly heard pressuring the BLO and issuing threats of vandalism and arson at his residence.
Following the incident, Deepak Mahto lodged a complaint at Najat police station. Based on the complaint, police arrested Jamirul Islam Molla on the night of November 22.
Authorities stated that further investigation into the matter is underway.
12. BLO Assaulted During SIR Duty in West Bengal’s Maheshtala; Accused Sent to Police Custody
South 24 Parganas, November 21, 2025: A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was allegedly assaulted while on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duty in Maheshtala nagarpalika area of West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district. The accused has been arrested and remanded to police custody.
According to the information provided, BLO Santu Chakraborty had gone to collect forms as part of the SIR process when the incident occurred. The accused, identified as Sayantan Singh, allegedly grabbed the BLO by his collar and assaulted him, striking his chest and ribs. At the time of the incident, the BLO’s identification card was reportedly visible, hanging around his neck.
Following the incident, the injured officer lodged a written complaint at Maheshtala police station. Acting on the complaint, police arrested the accused.
The accused was later produced before a court, which remanded him to five days of police custody. Authorities stated that further investigation in the matter is ongoing.
13. Allegations of Assault and Threats Against BLO During SIR Process in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas
North 24 Parganas, November 5, 2025: A Booth Level Officer (BLO) has alleged that he was threatened and assaulted by individuals identified as Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Barrackpore municipality area of West Bengal.
The incident reportedly took place at Booth No. 108 in Ward No. 15 of Barrackpore, where BLO 2 Biswajit Kar was conducting a survey along with another BLO.
According to the complaint, a group of individuals allegedly surrounded the officials during the verification work, warned them to stop their duties, and later assaulted them.
The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) stated that the matter would be investigated and that appropriate legal action would be taken based on the findings.
Taken together, these thirteen incidents present a consistent and concerning pattern surrounding the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal. From reported assaults on Booth Level Officers and micro observers to large-scale protests, obstruction of duties, and instances of intimidation, the recurring nature of such events underscores the operational challenges faced by officials engaged in electoral verification work.
What stands out is not merely the isolated occurrence of conflict, but its spread across multiple districts and administrative levels. The incidents reflect situations where routine electoral procedures encountered resistance, at times escalating into physical confrontation, property damage, or disruption of public order. In several cases, the response has involved legal action, police intervention, or judicial scrutiny, indicating the seriousness of the developments.
The implications extend beyond individual cases. The ability of election authorities to carry out verification processes without obstruction is central to maintaining the credibility and transparency of electoral systems. Ensuring the safety of officials, adherence to due process, and accountability in instances of disruption remain key factors in sustaining institutional trust.
As the SIR process continues, these developments highlight the need for strengthened administrative coordination, effective law enforcement, and clear communication mechanisms between authorities and the public. The incidents collectively point toward the importance of maintaining order and safeguarding democratic procedures during critical electoral exercises.
