Petition seeks urgent removal of IPS Ajay Pal Sharma from Bengal poll observer role

An Election Commission official said Sharma visited the area after reports that Khan's men were collecting voter identity cards from people and threatening them.

A police observer known as 'Singham' for his reputation said he would not allow the candidate or associates to intimidate voters and explained his role in ensuring free and fair polling.

Officials noted protests by Trinamool supporters against Sharma, including chants of 'Jai Bangla' at the residence and the election office of local TMC candidate Jahangir Khan.

Supporters of the Trinamool Congress staged a protest in Falta, South 24 Parganas, alleging that Sharma was intimidating party workers and leaders ahead of the second phase of polling in West Bengal.

The Election Commission defended Sharma's deployment as a measure to ensure fair voting, while the Trinamool Congress and others argued the move could tilt the vote in favor of BJP, accusing the officer of partisan conduct.

Officials said Sharma was deployed by the Election Commission as one of 95 observers to oversee the second phase and help ensure free and fair voting in the state.

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking urgent removal of IPS Ajay Pal Sharma from his role as police observer in poll-bound Bengal's South 24 Parganas district. The petition characterises Sharma as highly partisan and acting contrary to his prescribed role, and alleges acts of intimidation, undue influence, and partisan conduct including threats against political candidates.

Eyewitnesses said IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma visited the residence and election office of local Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan late on Monday night, and that he told reporters authorities would take 'firm and immediate steps' if voter intimidation was reported.