On Tuesday, the Election Commission of India ordered the transfer of Joint Block Development Officer Sourav Hazra from Falta in South 24 Parganas district to Purulia, just hours before the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. This decision followed protests from the ruling Trinamool Congress against special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, who faced allegations of voter intimidation during his visit to the constituency. In addition to Hazra's transfer, the Election Commission also relieved two Additional District Magistrates, Bhaskar Pal and Souvik Bhattacharya, from their election-related responsibilities. The situation escalated when Trinamool Congress supporters protested against Sharma's actions, leading to heightened tensions in the area. Falta, part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, has been designated as sensitive, prompting increased security measures including the deployment of over a hundred armed central paramilitary personnel. The observer's presence and actions have drawn accusations from the Trinamool Congress of intimidation and overstepping his mandate.