West Bengal Election Commission Orders Suspension of Five Police Officials

In a significant move, the Election Commission has directed the suspension of five police officials in Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, due to serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality during the assembly elections. This decision follows a report from the Chief Electoral Officer highlighting the officers' inappropriate conduct. The commission has also mandated disciplinary proceedings against these officials and issued a warning to the Superintendent of Police for not ensuring discipline among her team. The state administration is required to comply with these directives promptly and report back by the specified deadline.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 12:13 IST

Suspension of Police Officials in West Bengal

Kolkata, April 25: The Election Commission has mandated the West Bengal government to suspend five police officers in Diamond Harbour due to "serious misconduct" and their alleged failure to uphold neutrality during the assembly elections, as reported by officials on Saturday.

The directive was issued to the state's chief secretary following a report from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal regarding the behavior of the police personnel.

The officers facing suspension include Additional Superintendent of Police Sandip Garai, SDPO Sajal Mondal, the inspector-in-charge of Diamond Harbour police station Mausam Chakraborty, Falta police station's inspector-in-charge Ajay Bag, and Usthi police station's officer-in-charge Subhechha Bag.

"Upon reviewing the facts and circumstances, the commission has ordered the immediate suspension of these officers and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings due to their serious misconduct and inability to maintain neutrality during the West Bengal Legislative Elections 2026," stated the EC in its directive.

Additionally, the commission instructed the state government to forward a report concerning Additional Superintendent of Police Garai, who is an IPS officer, to his cadre controlling authority within the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Furthermore, the commission has requested the state government to issue a warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Ishani Pal for her failure to ensure discipline and fairness among her subordinate officers during election duties.

The panel has directed the state administration to act on these orders promptly and to provide a compliance report by 11 am on April 25.