Electoral roll dispute and party infighting trigger chaos in West Bengal
April 2, 2026: Seven judicial officers assigned to hear SIR-related cases were confined for hours inside the Block Development Officer’s office in Kaliachak-II, Malda, after angry villagers surrounded the premises demanding inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls. The protest began in the afternoon and intensified by around 3:30 pm, with demonstrators refusing to let the officials leave. Despite informing the Election Commission of India and district authorities, immediate help did not arrive, raising concerns over the safety of those trapped, including three women officers.
The situation eased only late at night when senior police personnel reached the spot and dispersed the crowd, allowing the officials to exit safely. The matter has now been reported to the Calcutta High Court, while the Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the state’s Director General of Police. Officials stated that coordinated efforts are underway to prevent such incidents and ensure security during election-related duties.
Meanwhile, unrest also erupted at the Indian National Congress office in Kolkata following the nomination of Rohan Mitra, son of late leader Somen Mitra, from Ballygunge. Protests by party workers escalated into clashes at Vidhan Bhavan, leaving one person injured and another reportedly unconscious. The violence comes after the party announced its first list of candidates, triggering widespread dissatisfaction among workers.