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ECI Seeks Report on Bengal Cops Transferred After Feb 28, Re-employed Post Retirement

The Election Commission of India has asked the West Bengal government for a detailed report on police officers whose transfers were announced after February 28. It has also sought information on officers who have been re-employed after superannuation. In a separate communication, the ECI requested a list of police station-level officers in whose jurisdictions poll-related violence occurred during the 2021 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar indicated that necessary action would be taken based on this information.

Key Points: ECI Seeks Report on Bengal Police Transfers, Re-employment

  • ECI seeks report on post-Feb 28 transfers
  • Details on police re-employed after retirement
  • List of officers linked to 2021, 2024 poll violence
  • Bengal polls scheduled for April 23 & 29
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ECI seeks detailed report on cops transferred after Feb 28 or re-employed after superannuation in Bengal

Election Commission seeks detailed report from West Bengal on police officers transferred after Feb 28 or re-employed post superannuation, and those linked to poll violence.

"provide another list of police station level officers under whose jurisdiction incidences of pre-poll, as well as poll-day violence... took place - ECI Communique"

Kolkata, March 16

The Election Commission of India had sought a detailed report from the West Bengal government on the police officers whose transfer orders were announced after February 28, which was the date of the publication of the final voters' list, minus those cases which were referred for the ongoing judicial adjudication after being classified under the "logical discrepancy" category.

In the letter from the Additional Chief Electoral Officer (ACEO) to the Additional Director General of Police (legal) & state police nodal officer for the polls, the Commission also sought a report on police officers who have been employed after superannuation.

In another communique to the state government, the ECI had also sought the details of those police officers under whose jurisdiction incidents of poll-related violence occurred both in the 2021 state Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"In continuation to the earlier Memo as noted above along with the reply referred to above, I am directed to request you to provide another list of police station level officers under whose jurisdiction incidences of pre-poll, as well as poll-day violence in 2021 Assembly Election and pre-poll, poll day as well as post-poll violence in 2024-Lok Sabha Election took place," read the second communique.

Copies of both the communiques are available with IANS.

In fact, information about the police officials tainted by either involvement or remaining inactive during poll-related violence both in 2021 and 2024 was passed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, while he announced the two-phase polling in West Bengal on April 23 and April 29.

He also said that the Commission will take necessary action in the matter.

In the first phase of elections on April 23, there will be polling for 152 Assembly constituencies, and in the second phase on April 29, there will be polling for 142 Assembly constituencies.

The last few Assembly elections in West Bengal were held in seven to eight phases.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move! Transfers after Feb 28 and re-employing retired officers right before elections always raises eyebrows. It seems like an attempt to place "favorable" people in key positions. The ECI must be strict about this. 🙏
R
Rohit P
While I support the ECI's intent, I hope this doesn't become a political witch-hunt against honest officers who were simply transferred for administrative reasons. Due process must be followed for everyone.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's concerning that such detailed scrutiny is needed. It points to a systemic issue with law enforcement during elections in the state. Hope this brings some accountability.
V
Vikram M
Finally! Action against those who turned a blind eye to violence. Common people are scared to vote in some areas. The police are supposed to protect us, not be partisan. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
The focus on 2021 and 2024 incidents is key. Patterns repeat if no action is taken. This report should be made public so voters know which areas need extra vigilance. Transparency is important.

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