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Bengal Shuffles Top Cops in Key Districts Ahead of Crucial Assembly Polls

The West Bengal government has transferred four IPS officers holding key positions in politically sensitive districts ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The reshuffle includes changes in the Superintendents of Police for districts like Alipurduar, Basirhat, and Jangipur. Administrative observers view the move as significant for election preparedness and law and order management. Once the Model Code of Conduct is enforced, the state government's authority to transfer officials becomes restricted.

Key Points: West Bengal IPS Reshuffle in Sensitive Districts Before Elections

  • Reshuffle of four IPS officers
  • Focus on politically sensitive districts
  • Aimed at election preparedness
  • Transfers made in "public interest"
2 min read

West Bengal reshuffles IPS officers in key districts ahead of Assembly elections

Ahead of Assembly elections, West Bengal transfers four IPS officers in politically sensitive districts like Basirhat and Alipurduar for poll preparedness.

"Such administrative measures are routinely undertaken ahead of major elections to ensure effective law and order management. - Government sources"

Kolkata, Feb 19

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the West Bengal government on Thursday carried out another reshuffle in the state police administration, transferring four IPS officers holding key positions in politically sensitive districts.

A notification issued by the state Home Department stated that the transfers were made in the "public interest". However, administrative and political observers consider the reshuffle significant in the context of preparations ahead of the Assembly polls.

According to the official notification, the reshuffle involved changes in the posts of Superintendents of Police (SPs) in several politically sensitive police districts in north and south Bengal.

As per the order, Khandbahale Umesh Ganapath, the Superintendent of Police of Alipurduar district, has been transferred and appointed as Superintendent of Police, Intelligence Branch (IB), north Bengal. Arish Bilal, who was serving as Superintendent of Police in the Intelligence Branch of the state police, has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police of Basirhat Police District.

The existing Superintendent of Police of Basirhat Police District, Dr Hossain Mehedi Rahman, has been transferred to Jangipur Police District in Murshidabad. Meanwhile, Shaw Kumar Amit, who was serving as Superintendent of Police of Jangipur Police District, has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police of Alipurduar district in north Bengal.

The notification stated that the officers concerned are required to assume charge of their new assignments with immediate effect until further orders.

Government sources said that such administrative measures are routinely undertaken ahead of major elections to ensure effective law and order management and facilitate free and fair polling. Basirhat, Jangipur, and Alipurduar are considered politically sensitive districts, and administrative changes in these areas are seen as part of election preparedness.

Alipurduar in north Bengal and Jangipur in Murshidabad district, which has a significant minority population, are expected to be crucial constituencies in the forthcoming Assembly elections, making administrative positioning in these districts particularly important.

As per established procedures, once the Election Commission of India announces the election schedule and the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, the police and civil administration function under the direct supervision of the Election Commission, and the state government's authority to transfer officials becomes restricted.

Administrative observers believe that the state government is finalising key administrative placements ahead of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct to ensure preparedness for election-related responsibilities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
"Public interest" is the official reason, but everyone knows this is political chess. Placing officers in sensitive districts just before MCC kicks in is a strategic move by the ruling party. The real test will be if the EC reviews these transfers.
A
Aman W
Basirhat and Jangipur are always in the news. Hope the new SPs focus on their duty to the public and not get influenced by political pressure. A peaceful election is what Bengal needs right now.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see an officer moved to the Intelligence Branch. That's a crucial role during elections for monitoring trouble. Hopefully, this reshuffle is based on merit and the officers' track records, not just convenience.
K
Karthik V
With due respect, this constant musical chairs of IPS officers before elections creates administrative instability. Officers need time to understand their new jurisdiction. This last-minute shuffle might actually hinder preparedness rather than help.
N
Nisha Z
The focus should be on free and fair elections. As long as the EC takes charge soon and oversees everything, it should be fine. The common citizen just wants to vote without fear or favour.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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