Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a strongly worded letter to the Kolkata Police Commissioner after a “serious security breach” was reported at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal on 24 November 2025. The incident, widely covered in the media, has raised concerns over the safety of top electoral officers at a time when the state is gearing up for high-stakes elections.
According to the communication sent by the ECI, the Commission noted that the existing security arrangement at the CEO’s office was “inadequate to handle the situation,” potentially endangering the Chief Electoral Officer, Additional Chief Electoral Officers, Joint Chief Electoral Officers, Deputy Chief Electoral Officers, and other staff members working at the premises.
Taking a stern view, the Commission stated, “The Commission has taken a serious view of the incident and directs that the Police Authorities should take all possible measures to ensure safety and security of officers and staff posted in the office of the CEO, at their residences and while commuting to and fro.”
The ECI further emphasized the need for enhanced and classified security in light of “the sensitivity involved due to SIR activities and the forthcoming elections in the State.” It directed the Kolkata Police to make sure that “no untoward incident occurs again” and to reassess the security levels urgently.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the letter instructed: “An action taken report may be sent to the Commission within 48 hours of receipt of this letter.”
