What Actions is the Election Commission Taking Against Police Officers in West Bengal?

Election Commission's Inquiry into Police Transfers in West Bengal

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has requested a comprehensive report from the West Bengal government regarding police officers whose transfers were announced after February 28, the date when the final voters' list was published. This request excludes cases that are currently under judicial review due to being categorized as 'logical discrepancies.'

In a letter addressed to the Additional Director General of Police (legal) and the state police nodal officer for elections, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer (ACEO) also asked for information on police officers who were appointed post-retirement.

Additionally, the ECI has sought details about police officers responsible for areas where incidents of election-related violence occurred during both the 2021 state Assembly elections and the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The second communication stated, "Following up on the previous memo and the response received, I request you to provide another list of police station-level officers overseeing areas where pre-poll and election-day violence occurred during the 2021 Assembly elections, as well as pre-poll, election day, and post-poll violence for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections."

Both communications are accessible from various news sources.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the involvement of certain police officials in election-related violence during his announcement of the two-phase polling scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

He assured that the Commission would take appropriate actions regarding these matters.

The first phase of elections on April 23 will cover 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase on April 29 will include 142 constituencies.

Recent Assembly elections in West Bengal have typically been conducted over seven to eight phases.