The Election Commission of India 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.

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, Officer-in-Charge (OC), Usthi Police Station.

Departmental inquiries have been initiated against all five with immediate effect, following allegations of serious misconduct and failure to maintain impartiality during the electoral process.

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

The decision comes in the wake of a report submitted by the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on April 22. The Commission’s move signals a firm stance against any perceived bias or dereliction of duty by law enforcement personnel during elections.

More observers deployed for phase 2

Anticipating heightened tensions during the second and final phase of polling, the Commission has also decided to deploy 10 additional police observers from states including Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.

With this, the total number of police observers in West Bengal will increase from 84 to 94, aimed at strengthening oversight and maintaining law and order.

Earlier action in Hingalganj

This development follows earlier action against Sandeep Sarkar, Officer-in-Charge of Hingalganj Police Station in North 24 Parganas, who was suspended 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 without delay.

These back-to-back measures have sent ripples through administrative and police circles across the state. Political observers interpret 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.

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