Kolkata: West Bengal cadre IAS officer C Murugan, known for his strong administrative approach, has come under fire from Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders while serving as a Special Roll Observer for the Election Commission’s (EC) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in South 24 Parganas and South Kolkata. The controversy escalated ahead of the publication of final voter lists, with TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee accusing Murugan of “openly disobeying” Supreme Court orders.
Murugan’s oversight has faced opposition not only from senior party leaders, including Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra, but also from TMC supporters who allegedly attempted to block his movement and duties in Diamond Harbour.
Allegations of Procedural Breach by TMC Leaders
On February 18, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that Murugan and other EC officials were flouting Supreme Court directives regarding the SIR procedures. He shared WhatsApp screenshots claiming Murugan issued instructions on birth certificate acceptability directly to micro-observers—bypassing statutory protocols. Banerjee criticized these actions as undermining the transparency and due process mandated by the apex court.
Mahua Moitra echoed these concerns online, sharing a poster of the film Quick Gun Murugan with a message urging the EC to control Murugan’s alleged deviations. Responding with characteristic assertiveness, Murugan referenced his police training in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing his discipline and adherence to the law.
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From Police Service to IAS: Murugan’s Journey
Murugan’s career began in 2003 with the Tamil Nadu Police. During his early postings, he gained recognition for handling high-profile criminal cases, including encounters with notorious offenders in Chennai. Despite his success, Murugan pursued the UPSC exam, taking leave and a personal loan to prepare for civil services.
He cleared the UPSC in 2006 and joined the West Bengal cadre in 2007. During his probation, Murugan served as Assistant District Magistrate in Paschim Medinipur, facing Maoist attacks and overseeing sensitive security arrangements, including a convoy for then-Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. Subsequent postings included Block Development Officer, Sub-Divisional Officer, and Additional District Magistrate across Maoist-affected and politically sensitive areas.
A Career Marked by Controversy and Enforcement of Rules
Throughout his IAS career, Murugan has repeatedly clashed with political leaders when administrative duties conflicted with partisan interests. Notable incidents include disputes over government tenders in Cooch Behar, restructuring the Public Vehicle Department in Kolkata, and facing unrest in Darjeeling during the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) agitation.
His reputation as a rule-bound officer has often led to friction with the TMC government, resulting in multiple transfers, including stints at the West Bengal Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBIIDC) and as Secretary of the Gorkha Territorial Administration.
Special Role in Electoral Roll Revision
In November 2025, Murugan was appointed among 12 senior IAS officers as Special Roll Observers for the SIR exercise in Bengal. His convoy was allegedly attacked at Magrahat in South 24 Parganas in December 2025, highlighting serious security concerns as voter disputes escalated. The Election Commission subsequently sought a report from the West Bengal police on these incidents.
Murugan continues to maintain a strict focus on adhering to electoral procedures, despite political opposition, reinforcing his reputation as a disciplined yet assertive administrator.
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