Trinamul Congress workers attacked Election Commission officials when they tried to stop “an unauthorised bike rally” at Manikchowk of Malda district. The EC has banned bike processions. This rally was taken out by the supporters of Trinamul Congress candidate for Malda South Moezzam Hossain, who himself was present when the EC officials were assaulted.
The EC has sought the detailed report from the office of chief electoral officer. Confirming the incident, officer on special duty (OSD) of the EC, Amit Roychowdhury said that a preliminary report from the DM had been received where it has been mentioned that the rally was organised by the All-India Trinamul Congress and a detailed report was awaited. He also said that two FIRs have been filed with the Manikchawk police station. Later in the evening, two persons were arrested in regard to the incident.
On Thursday, around 200-250 bikes took part in the roadshow of Dr Hossain.
Sources said that officer in-charge of the MCC team Ajit Das and other members Siddhartha Mondal, and Dilip Shah were attacked when they tried to stop the rally. Mr Das said, “We asked them whether they had taken permission from the district administration. But they suddenly attacked us and also destroyed the cameras.”
Though caught on camera, Mr Hossain denied his presence at the site. He said, “I was much behind the rally. I came to know that the car of the EC officials blocked the road for which an argument ensued.”
It was also identified that son-in-law of state social welfare minister Sabitri Mitra was also present during the assault.
Meanwhile, Mr Roychowdhury said, “The SDO has also been asked by the DM to submit a report. We have sent the preliminary report to the EC and will also send the detailed report to them once we receive it.”
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Poll officials attacked in Malda, EC seeks report
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