Protests Over Electoral Roll Revision Lead to Vandalism and Injuries in West Bengal

In West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district, protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls escalated into violence, with a mob of around 300 people vandalising the Block Development Officer's (BDO) office in Chakulia. The protesters, many of whom had received SIR verification notices, blocked a state highway, disrupted traffic, and set fire to official documents and furniture, causing estimated damages of Rs 20 lakh. Several police personnel, including the inspector-in-charge, were injured. Authorities have arrested ten individuals and launched investigations. The Election Commission of India has issued directives to district officials to maintain order amid ongoing tensions over the SIR process, which some voters and political leaders allege involves harassment and errors in voter verification.