EC seeks security upgrade after 'serious breach' at West Bengal CEO office amid BLO protests

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has raised the issue of a 'serious security breach' at the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) during a protest by booth-level officers (BLOs) on Monday and sought an action report.

In a letter to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, on Wednesday, the ECI said the existing security arrangement at the CEO’s office appeared “inadequate" to deal with the situation, potentially endangering the Chief Electoral Officer, Additional and Joint Chief Electoral Officers, Deputy CEOs, and other officials working there.

Election Commission of India writes to Kolkata Police Commissioner regarding security and safety of its officers and staff in West Bengal.

"It has come to the notice of ECI that on 24.11.2025 a serious security breach has occurred at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer,… pic.twitter.com/8kkbavil5Y

— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2025

The incident has prompted the poll body to raise concerns about the safety of officers and staff posted at the premises and has directed the Kolkata Police immediately take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the staff at the office, their residences and on their travel route.

The commission has also asked the police to submit an action-taken report within 48 hours.

""It has come to the notice of ECI 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 Media. The existing security in the office of the CEO appeared to be inadequate to handle the situation, which could lead to 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 read.

"The Commission further directs that adequate security classification shall be done on account of sensitivity involved due to SIR activities and forthcoming elections in the State and ensure that no untoward incident occurs again," the letter further read.

The letter was issued following a security breach on Monday during a protest by BLOs outside the CEO office in Kolkata, where some demonstrators attempted to force entry, prompting police intervention and a brief scuffle.

BLOs have alleged "inhumane stress" from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Their agitation came days after the deaths of two BLOs, with families blaming excessive workload. Another officer suffered a cerebral attack, further fueling anger among workers, according to a report by The Times of India.