TMC Raises Allegations of Unlawful Arrests in West Bengal Elections

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused Election Commission-appointed police observers of facilitating over 500 unlawful arrests in West Bengal, calling such actions a breach of constitutional provisions. Allegations surfaced just as the Calcutta High Court intervened to stay an electoral directive labeling citizens as 'troublemakers'.

Rajeev Kumar, a former state Director General of Police and now TMC's Rajya Sabha MP, has made his first political statement, threatening to legally challenge these observers for overstepping their authority. Kumar, alongside other TMC candidates, lodged an official complaint with West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), highlighting the wrongful arrests as elections approach.

The TMC claims that police observers, lacking arrest authority, should only report electoral disruptions to higher-ups. Kumar insists the party will ensure that any constitutional breaches are met with legal repercussions. Meanwhile, the CEO's office has refrained from commenting, although sources suggest police were instructed to prevent voter intimidation.