Trinamool workers torch EC official's effigy, under panel scanner

A group of Trinamool Congress activists here Wednesday burnt an effigy of Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi and have come under the scanner of the poll panel which sought video footage of the incident.

The incident comes a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused Zutshi of being "tainted" and demanded his removal.

"We have asked the district election officer to provide the CD of the demonstration and thereafter we will take necessary action," state chief electoral officer Sunil Gupta told reporters here.

Around ten Trinamool workers gathered near the state secretariat at Nabanna in Howrah district and set an effigy -- with the face of a demon, dressed in formal apparel and with the name of the official pinned onto it -- on fire amid slogan shouting.

After setting it ablaze, the workers waving party flags beat the effigy with sticks.

Banerjee Tuesday told media persons at Durgapur in Burdwan district: "There is a case against this man in Rajasthan involving a land scam. Even a non-bailable warrant was issued against him but he got it stayed by the Supreme Court."

"Why is this person in charge of the election process in Bengal? Why a tainted person like him is allowed to function? We demand his immediate removal.

"He is playing into the hands of the BJP and the Congress. He has misled the EC," she added.