TMC Accuses EC Observers of Illegal Arrests Amid West Bengal Polls

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has raised serious allegations against Election Commission-appointed police observers, claiming they have unlawfully ordered the arrest of more than 500 individuals during the ongoing West Bengal assembly elections.

According to TMC leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Kumar, these police observers have overstepped their authority by issuing verbal orders for arrests, allegedly after private meetings with BJP candidates. The party criticizes this as a violation of the code of criminal procedure and electoral laws, pledging to pursue rigorous legal action against those responsible.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that the Election Commission has been proactive in its efforts to curb voter intimidation and poll disruptions, issuing directives to arrest identified troublemakers well ahead of polling dates. The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, however, did not comment on TMC's claims.