EC warns of stern action against bid to disturb polling

The Election Commission's Special Observer in West Bengal, Sudhir Kumar Rakesh, today warned of stern action against any attempt to disturb law and order in the state, particularly in Birbhum district where an explosion claimed two lives yesterday.
"The EC knows how to deal with the situation to ensure the election is free, fair and peaceful. We have medicines for all diseases. Nobody will be spared for violation of the model code of conduct or disrupting law and order," Rakesh told reporters here.
Rakesh's caution came in the wake of objectionable remarks made by ruling Trinamool Congress leaders from Birbhum district -- Anubrata Mondal and MLA Manirul Islam, which were in gross violation to the model code of conduct.

Rakesh, who was reviewing the poll preparedness in a number of south Bengal districts in the past few days, came to the office of the state CEO Sunil Gupta and held a discussion with him regarding law and order and other aspects.
Later, acting on the directive of the EC, three BDOs and 15 officers-in-charge of various police stations in different districts were transferred, the sources said.
The Commission has asked the state government to submit a list of officers for filling up the posts that became vacant after the transfer orders were executed.

A video conference was also held with the DMs and SPs of the districts going to poll in second and third phase.

Meanwhile, the situation at Labhpur in Birbhum district remained tense as two persons were killed when a bomb they were making exploded at Kusumberia village yesterday.
A forensic team had already visited the village to assess the exact nature of the explosion.