An ECI official said, “The five newly appointed observers will monitor the reviewing process of digitised enumeration forms and will help finalise the draft electoral roll that will be published on December 16.”
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued showcause notices to two Booth Level Officers (BLO), an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), and an Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) from Baruipur East assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district for alleged violations in digitisation of enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of electoral roll.
According to ECI sources, the poll body had initially deputed a teacher named Soma Paul as a BLO at booth 94 in Baruipur East assembly constituency. Soon after, allegations surfaced that she was the Trinamool Congress booth president. However, despite being relieved of duty, she allegedly continued to work. Even after the new BLO, Debi Pal, an Anganwari worker, joined, the former BLO was reportedly allowed to continue field duties.
The matter came to light after the poll observer identified her signature, confirming the violation.
A senior ECI official said, “Even after Soma Paul was removed, she continued as BLO till November 25 and also signed on enumeration forms. The poll observer also found that the enumeration forms with Debi Pal were digitised by another BLO.”
“When asked, the ERO and AERO also failed to give any explanation on the violations. The poll observer submitted a report following which the ECI issued show cause notices to all four of them,” the official added.
“Once they respond to the show cause notice, the ECI will take appropriate action. If ECI finds sufficient proof of forgery of documents or any other fraudulent activities, they can be jailed for 11 years,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Special Electoral Roll Observer arrived in Kolkata on Tuesday.
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According to ECI sources, West Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal and Special Electoral Roll Observer, retired IAS officer Subrata Gupta will attend a meeting with the newly appointed observers on Wednesday.
An ECI official said, “The five newly appointed observers will monitor the reviewing process of digitised enumeration forms and will help finalise the draft electoral roll that will be published on December 16.”
Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain.
Experience
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express.
Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news.
Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions.
Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal.
Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla.
Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent.
Education
Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting.
Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University.
Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.
Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More
