Bengal polls: CEO Manoj Agrawal to visit Kakdwip, Katwa amid reports of voter intimidation

Kolkata, April 26 (IANS) Following reports of voter intimidation in Kakdwip, located in the Diamond Harbour area of South 24 Parganas district, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, Manoj Agarwal, is scheduled to visit the region on Sunday to take stock of the situation.

As soon as the matter came to light, the election officer in charge in Kakdwip and the police there have been instructed to make arrangements so that voters can cast their votes fearlessly and no one faces any threat.

Incidentally, there have been allegations that miscreants on a few bikes were threatening voters in Diamond Harbour. Allegedly, threatening slogans were raised during a bike procession. As soon as this complaint came to the Commission, the election officer and the police there were instructed to ensure the safety of voters.

CEO Manoj Agarwal will hold a meeting in Kakdwip with the candidates and their election agents there. After that, he will review the situation in the nearby areas with administrative and police officials. He will then leave for Katwa in East Burdwan district.

Incidentally, Kakdwip and Katwa are among the 142 constituencies where voting will be held in the second phase on April 29.

The CEO will also meet with the candidates and their election agents in Katwa. After that, he will hold a meeting with the election officer, the administrative officer and the security force officials.

On Friday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) suspended five police officers, including the Additional Superintendent of Police and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Diamond Harbour.

The Commission informed the state Chief Secretary that action be taken against the five police officers suspended for “serious violations of the code of conduct and failure to maintain impartiality”. Action was taken against the five immediately.

The second and final phase of the Bengal Assembly elections will be held on April 29. The first phase of voting was held on April 23, recording an over 93 per cent polling.

Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

–IANS

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