wb-polls-ec-suspends-5-officers-including-ips-over-misconduct

The Election Commission (EC) has taken stringent action against alleged police misconduct in West Bengal ahead of the crucial second phase of the Assembly elections, suspending five officers from the Diamond Harbour police district, including one IPS officer. The move comes a day after disciplinary action was initiated against the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hingalganj Police Station in North 24 Parganas. Signalling a firm stance, the Commission cited serious allegations of bias and failure to maintain impartiality during the electoral process.

 

According to official directives, the suspended officers are Sandeep Garai (IPS), Additional Superintendent of Police, Diamond Harbour; Sajal Mandal, SDPO, Diamond Harbour; Mousam Chakraborty, Inspector-in-Charge (IC), Diamond Harbour Police Station; Ajay Bag, IC, Falta Police Station; and Shubhechha Bag, OC, Usthi Police Station. Departmental inquiries have been initiated against all five, with immediate effect.

 

In addition, the Commission has issued a stern warning to the Superintendent of Police of Diamond Harbour, Ishani Pal, holding her accountable for failing to ensure discipline and neutrality among her subordinates during a sensitive electoral period.

 

The action follows a report submitted by the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on April 22. Meanwhile, in view of the anticipated tensions during the second and final phase of polling, the Commission has decided to deploy 10 additional police observers from states including Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. This will increase the total number of observers in the state from 84 to 94.

 

Earlier, the Commission had suspended Sandeep Sarkar, OC of Hingalganj Police Station, on charges of colluding with local elements and failing to ensure a “level playing field” for all political parties. The state administration has been directed to propose a replacement for the post without delay.

 

These back-to-back actions have sent ripples through the state’s police and administrative circles. Political observers view the developments as a clear indication of the Commission’s “zero tolerance” approach towards any form of bias or negligence that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.