EC Suspends Polling Staff Deployed At Bengal's Pingla For Leaving Booth Unattended During Voting

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 19:35 IST

Election Commission of India suspends all polling staff at a booth in Bengal's Pingla for leaving the premises unattended during voting hours.

The Election Commission of India on Thursday suspended all polling personnel of booth in Bengal’s Pingla Assembly constituency in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district for leaving premises unattended during voting hours.

The entire polling team at booth No. 9 stepped out together around noon, reportedly for lunch, leaving the booth unmanned for some time, the official told PTI, adding that the sector officer was also said to be absent.

The Commission has also ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed the District Election Officer to submit a report.

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“Taking serious note of the lapse, all polling personnel, including the presiding officer, have been placed under suspension with immediate effect. A reserve polling party has been deployed," the senior official said.

Polling continued at the booth with the reserve team, he added.

Voting for 152 constituencies was held in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on Thursday.

News india EC Suspends Polling Staff Deployed At Bengal's Pingla For Leaving Booth Unattended During Voting

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