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ECI Removes Anti-Corruption DGP Sandeep Mittal After DMK's Bias Complaint

The Election Commission of India has removed Sandeep Mittal as the Anti-Corruption DGP of Tamil Nadu. This decisive action came after a formal complaint from DMK leader D. R. Balu alleged Mittal's political bias in favour of the BJP and RSS. The complaint cited past social media posts and raised serious corruption allegations against the officer. The removal is part of a broader administrative reshuffle to ensure neutrality under the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming state elections.

Key Points: ECI Removes DGP Sandeep Mittal After DMK Complaint

  • ECI removes Sandeep Mittal as DGP
  • Action follows DMK complaint of bias
  • Allegations cite social media posts, corruption
  • Part of pre-poll administrative reshuffle
2 min read

TN: ECI removes Sandeep Mittal as Anti-Corruption DGP after DMK complaint​

Election Commission removes Anti-Corruption DGP Sandeep Mittal in Tamil Nadu following a DMK complaint alleging political bias and misconduct.

"Mittal had clear political leanings in favour of the BJP and the RSS - D. R. Balu"

Chennai, April 11

In a significant development ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has removed Sandeep Mittal from the post of Director General of Police following a complaint by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, alleging bias and misconduct.​

The action comes as part of a broader administrative reshuffle triggered by the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in poll-bound states. With the announcement of election dates in five states, including Tamil Nadu, the Model Code of Conduct came into force, prompting the Commission to initiate key transfers to ensure neutrality in governance during the election period.​

Earlier, the Commission had ordered the transfer of the Chief Secretary, Muruganandam, the Anti-Corruption DGP, Davidson Devasirvatham, and other senior officials, including the Chennai Police Commissioner.

Subsequently, IAS officer Sai Kumar was appointed as the new Chief Secretary, while Sandeep Mittal was initially assigned as the head of the Anti-Corruption wing.​

Further changes were made in the state administration, with Manivasan, who previously served as Secretary for Tourism and Charitable Endowments, appointed as the new Home Secretary. He replaced Dheeraj Kumar as part of the Commission's efforts to maintain administrative balance and impartiality.​

However, Mittal's appointment quickly became contentious after DMK leader D. R. Balu submitted a formal complaint to the Election Commission. In his representation, Balu alleged that Mittal had clear political leanings in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), citing the officer's past social media posts.​

The complaint also pointed to Mittal's remarks on Islam and left-wing ideologies, arguing that they demonstrated a lack of neutrality expected of a senior law enforcement official during elections. Additionally, serious allegations of corruption were raised against him, intensifying the demand for his removal.​

Warning of legal action if no steps were taken, Balu urged the Commission to intervene immediately. Following the complaint, the Election Commission has now removed Mittal from the post of Anti-Corruption DGP.​

The move is seen as a decisive step by the Commission to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a level playing field in Tamil Nadu as the state heads into a crucial election.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good step. But why was he appointed in the first place if his social media history was problematic? The ECI should do better background checks before making such crucial postings. It creates unnecessary drama and erodes public trust.
K
Karthik V
The Model Code of Conduct is there for a reason. Transfers of top cops and bureaucrats before elections are standard practice to ensure a fair poll. DMK raised a valid complaint and ECI acted. This is democracy in action.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's concerning that an officer's personal social media opinions can become such a big issue. Shouldn't professional conduct be judged separately? That said, perception matters hugely during elections, so perhaps the removal was necessary for public confidence.
M
Manish T
The speed of this action shows the ECI is serious about TN elections. The anti-corruption wing head is a powerful position. It must be beyond reproach. Allegations of bias AND corruption? No choice but to remove him. Hope the new appointment is clean.
A
Anjali F
While I support ensuring neutrality, one has to wonder if this is just political one-upmanship. The ruling party complains, ECI acts. Would the same happen if the opposition complained? The process must be consistent across all states and parties. 🤔

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