2007-batch West Bengal cadre IAS officer C Murugan clashes with TMC leaders while ensuring Supreme Court-compliant electoral roll updates in South 24 Parganas and South Kolkata.
West Bengal cadre IAS officer C Murugan, known for his firm administrative style, has come under sharp criticism 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 intensified 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 resistance not only from senior party leaders, including Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra, but also from TMC supporters who allegedly tried to obstruct his duties in Diamond Harbour.
Allegations of Procedural Breach by TMC Leaders
On February 18, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that Murugan and other EC officials were violating Supreme Court directives regarding 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 transparency and due process mandated by the apex court.
Mahua Moitra echoed these concerns online, posting a satirical reference to the film Quick Gun Murugan and urging the EC to rein in his alleged deviations. Responding firmly, Murugan cited his police training in Tamil Nadu, stressing his discipline and adherence to the law.
From Police Service to IAS
Murugan’s career began in 2003 with the Tamil Nadu Police, where he gained recognition for handling high-profile criminal cases, including encounters with notorious offenders in Chennai. Despite success, he pursued the UPSC exam, taking leave and a personal loan to prepare for civil services.
He cleared UPSC in 2006 and joined the West Bengal cadre in 2007. During probation, he served as Assistant District Magistrate in Paschim Medinipur, facing Maoist attacks and overseeing sensitive security arrangements, including convoys for then-Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. Later postings included Block Development Officer, Sub-Divisional Officer, and Additional District Magistrate in politically sensitive and Maoist-affected areas.
A Career Marked by Controversy and Rule Enforcement
Throughout his IAS career, Murugan has often 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 unrest in Darjeeling during the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) agitation.
His reputation as a rule-bound officer has frequently 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, underscoring serious security concerns as voter disputes escalated. The Election Commission later sought a report from the West Bengal police on these incidents.
Despite political opposition, Murugan continues to focus strictly on electoral procedures, reinforcing his reputation as a disciplined and assertive administrator.
