The Election Commission of India (ECI) has raised strong concerns over a major security breach at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal and has directed Kolkata Police to upgrade security arrangements without delay. In a letter issued on Wednesday, November 26, the Commission described the current security measures as “inadequate” to prevent such incidents and warned that the safety of senior officers—including the CEO, Additional and Joint CEOs, Deputy CEOs, and other staff—may be at risk.
The breach occurred on Monday, November 24, prompting the ECI to demand immediate corrective steps. The Commission instructed Kolkata Police to ensure comprehensive protection at the CEO office, at officers’ residences, and along their travel routes. It further noted that the ongoing SIR (Systematic Information Revision) process and the approaching 2026 Assembly elections make enhanced security crucial.
The ECI also directed the police to revise and upgrade the security classification for all officials connected to the electoral process. Stressing that such incidents must not recur, the Commission asked for an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 48 hours.
Copies of the communication were forwarded to the West Bengal C
