Election Commission Orders Immediate Suspension of Five Officers
The Election Commission of India has directed the Government of West Bengal to immediately suspend five police officials posted in Diamond Harbour over alleged misconduct during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections.
The action follows a report submitted by the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, which highlighted serious lapses in the conduct of the officers and raised concerns over their impartiality during election duty.
According to the Commission’s order, Additional Superintendent of Police Sandip Garai, SDPO Sajal Mondal, Diamond Harbour police station inspector Mausam Chakraborty, Falta police station inspector Ajay Bag and Usthi police station officer Subhechha Bag have been named for suspension.
The Commission stated that the officers were found guilty of “serious misconduct” and failing to maintain neutrality during the electoral process.
Disciplinary Action and Central Review Ordered
In its directive, the Election Commission made it clear that disciplinary proceedings must begin immediately against the suspended officials. “After considering the facts and circumstances of the matter, the Commission directs that these officers be suspended forthwith and disciplinary proceedings be initiated for their serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality during the West Bengal Legislative Elections 2026,” the EC said in its order.
The poll body also ordered the state government to send a separate report on Sandip Garai, an IPS officer, to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further review by the cadre controlling authority.
District SP Warned Over Failure to Ensure Fairness
Alongside the suspensions, the Election Commission issued a formal warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Ishani Pal for failing to ensure fairness and discipline among subordinate officers during election duties.
The warning signals the Commission’s intent to hold senior district-level officers accountable for lapses that may affect the integrity of the election process.
The West Bengal administration has been asked to enforce the Commission’s directives without delay and submit a compliance report by 11 am on April 25.
High-Stakes Bengal Elections Witness Heavy Turnout
The Election Commission’s strict action comes amid a fiercely contested West Bengal Assembly election that has seen heightened political tension and allegations from multiple parties.
The first phase of polling on April 23 recorded an impressive turnout of 92.88 per cent across 152 constituencies, despite isolated incidents of violence and months of political controversy over voter roll revisions.
Both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress have interpreted the high turnout in their favour. While the BJP claimed the turnout reflected growing anti-incumbency sentiment, the ruling TMC said voters had turned out in large numbers to defend their democratic rights.
Poll Body Signals Zero Tolerance on Neutrality Issues
The suspension of multiple officers in a politically sensitive district like Diamond Harbour underscores the Election Commission’s attempt to send a strong message about maintaining neutrality in elections.
With several phases of voting still remaining, the Commission’s intervention is likely to intensify political scrutiny and raise the stakes further in one of the country’s most closely watched state elections.
Thương hiệu: RIKVIP