They were protesting against the deaths of several BLOs, allegedly due to work pressure and stress caused by the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll related work in the state. They had also demanded compensation for the family members of the deceased.

Earlier, the national poll body had asked Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma to strengthen security arrangements at the CEO office in the Balmer Lawrie building. During the ongoing SIR exercise, there have been regular agitations by BLOs, and some among the agitators had even jumped in front of the CEO’s car.

Commission sources also said the national poll body was not satisfied with the security coverage provided by the Kolkata Police at the CEO office, particularly after some agitators allegedly tried to jump in front of Agarwal’s car.

It was therefore decided to shift the security arrangements for the CEO and his office to central forces instead of the Kolkata Police, which functions under the Bengal home department headed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

A former CEO said that the deployment of central security personnel for a serving CEO and his office was probably the first of its kind in West Bengal.

A team of 11 to 12 armed personnel from the CISF’s VIP security wing has been deployed for Agarwal’s personal security as well as the security of his residence.