Did Kolkata Police File a Suo Motu Case Against BLOs After Recent Protests?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata Police have registered a suo motu case against BLOs.
- The protest involved attempts to breach police barricades.
- Injuries were reported among police personnel.
- The BLO Rights Protection Committee has been protesting for several days.
- Investigation is ongoing with CCTV footage being reviewed.
Kolkata, Dec 23 (NationPress) - The Kolkata Police have initiated a suo motu case against certain Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for allegedly trying to force their way into the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, disrupting on-duty police officers, and vandalizing government property during a protest in central Kolkata.
According to sources from Lalbazar (the headquarters of Kolkata police), the case has been registered at Hare Street Police Station under various legal sections. Authorities have collected CCTV footage from the protest location, and an investigation is currently in progress.
The protest took place on Monday when a group of BLOs demonstrated outside the CEO's office. Police reported that some protesters attempted to breach security by climbing over barricades. A scuffle ensued when police intervened. One individual has been detained in connection with the incident, and three police officers have reportedly been injured, according to sources.
The protesting BLOs asserted that numerous changes to the Election Commission’s application since the draft electoral roll was published have caused confusion and significant stress among booth-level officials.
They also claimed that while several directives are issued, the Commission does not provide adequate clarification. Errors identified in the draft voter list have raised concerns among citizens.
On Monday, members of the BLO Rights Protection Committee visited the CEO's office to request a meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer. The refusal to meet them escalated tensions, prompting protesters to attempt to breach police barricades, which led to the confrontation.
“A suo motu case has been registered for obstructing police work, damaging government property, and disrupting public order. Further actions will be determined after reviewing the CCTV footage,” stated a senior officer of the Kolkata Police.
It is noteworthy that the BLO Rights Protection Committee has been conducting a sit-in protest outside the CEO's office for several days regarding their demands.