FIR Against TMC Councillors After CEO Office Gherao; Police Issue Notices in Kolkata

Kolkata Police have registered an FIR against six persons, including two Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillors, in connection with the gherao of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)’s office in central Kolkata earlier this week.

The case pertains to an alleged unlawful assembly outside the CEO’s office on Strand Road, where protesters gathered without permission and defied police directives amid rising tensions over voter list issues.

Police said the gathering continued despite instructions to disperse, prompting action under multiple legal provisions.

As part of the probe, Kolkata Police have issued notices to councillors Shantiranjan Kundu and Sachin Singh.

Both have been asked to appear before officers at Hare Street Police Station within three days for questioning in connection with the incident.

Officials confirmed that the FIR includes serious charges, including Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a non-bailable offence.

Protest Over Form-6 Row Turns Confrontational

The incident stems from protests led by TMC-backed groups over alleged irregularities in voter list revisions and bulk submission of Form-6 applications.
Demonstrators, including booth-level officers (BLOs), had assembled outside the CEO’s office, with the situation escalating into clashes involving political workers and police.

Authorities alleged that a councillor, accompanied by supporters, gheraoed the office late at night, raised slogans and attempted to intimidate officials, prompting the Election Commission to term the episode “anti-social activity.”

Tensions Rise Ahead of Elections
The unrest forms part of a larger political flashpoint in West Bengal, with competing allegations over voter enrolment and deletion intensifying ahead of the upcoming elections.

Security has since been tightened around the CEO’s office, and prohibitory orders imposed in the area to prevent further escalation.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and further action will follow based on evidence, including video footage from the site.​