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ECI seeks report from Kolkata Police over protest at CEO office, calls it ‘security breach’

The ECI letter came after the demonstration led by the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee outside the CEO’s office, citing excessive work pressure during the ongoing SIR.

2 min readKolkataUpdated: Nov 27, 2025 03:38 AM IST

Members of the BLO Rights Protection Committee at a sit-in protest near the Chief Election Commission Office, in Kolkata on Wednesday. (Express photo)

The Election Commission Wednesday wrote to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, alleging “serious security breach” during the ongoing protest by BLOs at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Kolkata, and sought an action-taken report within 48 hours.

“I am directed to state that it has come to the notice of the Election Commission of India that on 24.11.2025 a serious security breach has occurred at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, which has also been widely reported in the media,” the letter stated.

“The existing security in the office of the CEO appeared to be inadequate to handle the situation, which could lead to a threat to the safety and security of the Chief Electoral Officer, Additional Chief Electoral Officers, Joint Chief Electoral Officers, Deputy Chief Electoral Officers and other officers and staff working in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer,” the letter added.

The EC instructed the police to implement all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the officers and staff assigned to the office of CEO Manoj Agarwal, including their safety at home and during their commutes. The EC directed adequate security classification “on account of sensitivity involved due to SIR activities and forthcoming elections”.

The ECI letter came after the demonstration led by the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee outside the CEO’s office, citing excessive work pressure during the ongoing SIR. The protesters initially gathered for a rally on Monday but ended up spending the night inside the CEO’s office, demanding to meet CEO Agarwal.

On Monday, police allowed a 13-member delegation to submit a deputation, briefly easing tension. But fresh unrest erupted again. Around 4.30 pm, several committee members sat outside CEO’s chamber, demanding Agarwal himself accept the memorandum. On Tuesday morning, the same group continued their sit-in, waiting for CEO, while the corridor outside his office was crowded with security personnel. Later, after the CEO met them briefly.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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