The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the suspension of four police officials in West Bengal over lapses in maintaining law and order during a roadshow and nomination process in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency. The directive was issued to the state’s Chief Secretary, and it also includes immediate disciplinary action against the officers involved. The roadshow was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In its communication, the Commission referred to a report received from the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. The report recommended strict action against the officers for their failure to handle the situation properly. The officials named in the order include DC-II, South Division (Kolkata Police) Siddartha Dutta, OC-Alipore Priyankar Chakraborty, Chandi Charan Banerjee, Additional OC-Alipore, and Saurabh Chatterjee, Sergeant-Alipore.

“The Commission has agreed to the proposal and directs suspension and disciplinary proceedings be initiated against them immediately," ECI said in a letter. “The directions of the Commission to be implemented with immediate effect, and a compliance report in this regard be sent by 11:00 AM on 05.04.2026,” it said.

The Commission has also asked the state government to submit a proposal to fill the vacant posts created after the suspension. These include key positions in the South Division of Kolkata Police and the Alipore police station.

In a separate development, the ECI has taken action against a primary school teacher who was assigned election-related duties in the Barasat Circle. The teacher was suspended after a video surfaced on social media showing him preparing campaign materials for a political party. Following the video, the Trinamool Congress filed a formal complaint with the Commission. The ECI confirmed that the disciplinary action was taken based on this complaint.

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) continued its probe for the second consecutive day in connection with related incidents. The agency collected video evidence and spoke to people in nearby shops. Officials also visited nearby villages to understand the sequence of events. The NIA is expected to submit its preliminary report to the Supreme Court next week. It may also question individuals currently in police custody. Local sources in Malda reported that raids were conducted at midnight as part of the investigation.

The Election Commission has also approved the creation of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations in areas where the number of voters exceeds 1,200. In addition, 321 polling stations have been relocated to improve voter convenience. With these changes, the total number of polling stations in West Bengal has reached 85,379.

In another action, West Bengal Police arrested Hafijul Molla Pradhan from Deuli I Gram Panchayat in Jibantala for allegedly delivering a hate speech.

The Commission has also directed former Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar to serve as a police observer in Tamil Nadu, another poll-bound state. However, he has requested relief from this deputation, citing medical reasons, according to sources.