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ECI Orders Major Bengal Police Reshuffle Days Before Polling Phase

The Election Commission of India has ordered a major reshuffle within the West Bengal and Kolkata police forces just 12 days before the first phase of polling. A total of 30 officers, ranging from deputy inspector general to inspector ranks, have been transferred. Key changes include new postings for joint commissioners of Kolkata Police in crime, headquarters, and intelligence roles. This move continues the Commission's active intervention in state administration since the poll dates were announced, which has previously included replacing top bureaucrats and police chiefs.

Key Points: ECI Transfers 30 Bengal Police Officers Ahead of Elections

  • 30 officers transferred
  • Reshuffle ahead of April 23 polls
  • Changes in Kolkata & state police
  • Senior to inspector-level posts affected
  • Part of ongoing EC intervention
2 min read

ECI orders massive police reshuffle in Bengal ahead of polls​

Election Commission orders massive police reshuffle in West Bengal, transferring 30 officers from DIG to inspector levels just 12 days before polls.

"The Commission ordered a massive police reshuffle... transferring a total of 30 officers - Election Commission of India"

Kolkata, April 11

Just 12 days before the first phase of the two-phase polling in West Bengal on April 23, the Election Commission of India on Saturday ordered a massive police reshuffle in the state, transferring a total of 30 officers in West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police combined, ranging from deputy inspector general rank to inspector levels.​

Rupesh Kumar, who was on additional duty as joint commissioner (crime) of Kolkata Police, has been replaced by Soma Das Mitra, who had been serving as the DIG of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police.​

The joint commissioner of police (headquarters) of Kolkata Police, Miraj Khalid, has been replaced by Sudip Sarkar, who was serving as the DIG (personnel) of West Bengal Police.​

The joint commissioner (intelligence) of Kolkata Police, Soumya Roy, has been removed and replaced by Debsmita Das, who was serving as the DIG (Special Task Force) of the state police.​

In addition, the Commission on Saturday transferred a total of 7 deputy commissioner-level officers, both within Kolkata Police and in other police commissionerates. Manish Joshi has been given the charge in place of the deputy commissioner (Bhangar), replacing Saikat Ghosh.​

VSR Anantnag has been given the charge in place of the deputy commissioner (South) of Kolkata Police, replacing Deepak Sarkar.​

Prashant Chowdhury, Saikat Ghosh, and Pradeep Kumar Yadav have been assigned the posts of deputy commissioner (East), deputy commissioner (South-East), and deputy commissioner (North) of Kolkata Police, respectively.​

Similarly, there have been several changes across different police districts and police commissionerates.​

Apart from these senior and mid-level officers, as many as 18 inspector-ranking officers have also been changed by the Commission on Saturday.​

The transfer of bureaucrats and police began at midnight on the date of the announcement of the polling dates on March 16, when the Commission replaced both the previous Chief Secretary and the previous state Home Secretary.​

Thereafter, the Commission also replaced the state Director General of Police and the Police Commissioner of Kolkata. The Commission also barred their involvement in electoral duties.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Interesting to see such a large-scale reshuffle so close to polling. It must be based on specific intelligence inputs. The focus on intelligence and crime posts is particularly telling. Hope it leads to a peaceful election process.
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Priyanka N
Good move! Bengal elections are always high-voltage. Transferring officers, especially in key positions like intelligence and crime, is essential to prevent bias. The ECI is doing its job. Jai Hind!
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Aman W
While I understand the need for neutrality, one has to wonder about the timing and the disruption it causes to ongoing investigations. A bit more transparency on the reasons for each transfer would build more public trust.
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Michael C
This is standard procedure in many democracies before major elections. It's a preventative measure to ensure the police force remains impartial. The scale here seems appropriate given Bengal's political history.
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Shreya B
Finally! This was much needed. The common voter just wants to cast their vote without fear or pressure. These steps by the Election Commission give us confidence. Let democracy win! 🇮🇳

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