New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified its crackdown on alleged administrative and police misconduct in West Bengal ahead of the second phase of the Assembly elections. In a significant development, the Commission has suspended five police officers from the Diamond Harbour police district, including a senior IPS officer, over allegations of bias and failure to maintain electoral neutrality.
The move comes amid heightened political sensitivity in the state, with the Commission reiterating its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and impartial polling process.
Five Police Officers Suspended in Diamond Harbour District
Acting on serious allegations of partiality and administrative lapses, the Election Commission has ordered the immediate suspension of five officers posted in the Diamond Harbour police district. The officers suspended 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
- Shubhechha Bag, Officer-in-Charge (OC), Usthi Police Station
Alongside their suspension, departmental inquiries have been initiated against all five officers to investigate the charges in detail. The action has been described as immediate and stringent, reflecting the Commission’s zero-tolerance approach toward electoral malpractice.
Stern Warning Issued to Diamond Harbour SP Ishani Pal
In addition to the suspensions, the Election Commission has issued a strong warning to Ishani Pal, the Superintendent of Police of Diamond Harbour. She has been held accountable for allegedly failing to ensure discipline and political neutrality among her subordinate officers during a sensitive electoral period.
The Commission emphasized that senior officials will be directly responsible for maintaining impartiality within their jurisdiction, especially during election duties where neutrality is critical to the democratic process.
Action Follows CEO Report Submitted on April 22
The disciplinary measures were taken based on a detailed report submitted by the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on April 22. The report reportedly highlighted concerns regarding the conduct of certain police officials and their alleged failure to maintain a level playing field for all political parties.
This latest action follows earlier disciplinary steps taken against the Officer-in-Charge of Hingalganj Police Station in North 24 Parganas, who was suspended over allegations of collusion with local elements and bias during election-related duties.
Increased Deployment of Police Observers Across West Bengal
To strengthen oversight and ensure smooth conduct of the upcoming polling phase, the Election Commission has also expanded its monitoring mechanism. A total of 10 additional police observers have been deployed from states including Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
With this move, the total number of police observers in West Bengal has increased from 84 to 94. These officers will be tasked with closely monitoring law and order situations and ensuring that election protocols are strictly followed on the ground.
Growing Political and Administrative Reactions
The back-to-back disciplinary actions have created significant ripples within West Bengal’s police and administrative circles. Political analysts view the Election Commission’s decisions as part of a broader effort to enforce strict neutrality during one of the most closely watched phases of the Assembly elections.
Officials and observers alike interpret these developments as a clear signal that the Election Commission is maintaining a firm “zero tolerance” stance against any form of bias, negligence, or misconduct that could impact the integrity of the electoral process.
With suspensions, warnings, and increased monitoring in place, the Election Commission has significantly tightened its oversight in West Bengal ahead of the second phase of polling. The measures underline the Commission’s focus on ensuring transparency, fairness, and discipline in one of India’s most politically sensitive electoral battles.
