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ECI Removes Beldanga Police Chief Ahead of Crucial Bengal Polls

The Election Commission of India has removed the Inspector In-Charge of Beldanga police station in Murshidabad district ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. This follows the earlier removal of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, as the ECI reshuffles police and bureaucratic posts in the state. The moves come amid an NIA investigation into tensions that spread in Beldanga in January following a migrant worker's death. Polling in the district is scheduled for the first phase on April 23, with the ECI barring removed officials from election-related duties.

Key Points: ECI Removes Beldanga IC Before West Bengal Elections

  • Beldanga IC removed by ECI
  • SDPO also transferred earlier
  • New IC Ashutosh Rai appointed
  • NIA probing prior migrant worker death
  • Polls scheduled for April 23 & 29
2 min read

ECI removes Beldanga IC ahead of Bengal polls

Election Commission removes Beldanga police station IC and SDPO ahead of Bengal polls. NIA probes prior tensions. Get the latest updates.

"The poll panel has made it clear that those who are being removed cannot be appointed for any election-related work - Election Commission"

Kolkata, April 14

The Election Commission has removed the Inspector In-Charge of Beldanga police station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, a poll panel official said on Tuesday.

On April 11, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Beldanga was also removed. This time the IC of the Beldanga police station has been removed by the EC.

The Commission said that Ashutosh Rai is being made the new IC of Beldanga police station. He was an Inspector of Howrah Police Commissionerate.

Animesh Dey had been in the post of Beldanga IC for a long time.

The Commission ordered his removal ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

Ashutosh Rai has been asked to take charge as the IC of Beldanga police station by Tuesday night.

On April 11, the Commission made several changes in Kolkata Police and the West Bengal Police.

Beldanga SDPO Uttam Garai was also under the transfer order. Anandjit Horke was made the new SDPO of Beldanga in his place.

In January, tension spread in Beldanga over the death of a migrant worker.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating the incident on the orders of the Supreme Court.

Questions were also raised about the role of the state police and administration in controlling the situation.

The ECI has been reshuffling bureaucrats and IPS officers in the state since the announcement of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

The Commission has removed several bureaucrats and police officers from their posts in the state from time to time.

The poll panel has made it clear that those who are being removed cannot be appointed for any election-related work in the state for the time being.

Polling will be held in 294 Assembly constituencies of West Bengal in two phases on April 23 and 29.

Murshidabad district will go to poll in the first phase.

Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is all just political drama before elections. They remove one officer, bring another. Does it really change anything on the ground? The real issue is the January tension and the migrant worker's death. That needs answers, not just last-minute transfers.
A
Anandjit H
As a resident of Murshidabad, I welcome this step. Beldanga has seen too much trouble. The NIA investigation is on, and having a fresh police leadership before we vote is necessary. Hope the new SDPO and IC can maintain peace. Our vote is our right, it must be protected.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the ECI taking such direct control. It shows how critical the Bengal elections are nationally. The mention of the NIA and Supreme Court order is the real story here—this isn't just a routine administrative shift.
K
Karthik V
While I support the EC's authority, one has to respectfully ask: are these transfers based on concrete evidence of partiality, or just pre-emptive action based on perception? Officers have careers too. Clarity on the reasons would build more public trust in the process.
M
Meera T
Finally! The state police's role in the January incident was questionable. The EC is doing the right thing by bringing in officers from outside the district. Voters in Murshidabad need to feel safe to cast their vote without fear. Jai Hind!

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