The Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended five senior police officers posted in the Diamond Harbour Police District of West Bengal. The action was taken on Friday over allegations of “serious misconduct” and “failure to maintain neutrality” during the ongoing Assembly elections. Among those suspended is Sandip Garai, who was serving as the Additional Superintendent of Police in Diamond Harbour.

Along with Garai, four other officers have been suspended as part of the same action. These include Sajal Mondal, who was the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Diamond Harbour, Mausam Chakraborty, Inspector in Charge of Diamond Harbour Police Station, Ajay Bag, Inspector in Charge of Falta Police Station, and Subhechha Bag, Officer in Charge of Usthi Police Station. The ECI’s move reflects concerns over the conduct of police officials during the election period, which is expected to remain impartial and fair.

The Commission has also decided to send a separate report on Sandip Garai’s conduct to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This indicates that the matter could see further review at the central level. In addition to the suspensions, the ECI issued a formal warning to Dr Ishani Pal, the Superintendent of Police of Diamond Harbour. She has been cautioned for her alleged failure to ensure discipline and fairness among officers working under her during the elections.

This is not an isolated case in the state during the current polling season. The ECI has taken similar steps earlier as well. Just a few days before this action, Sandip Sarkar, who was serving as the Officer in Charge of Hingalganj Police Station, was also suspended. This decision came after a report was submitted by the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. The Commission had cited an alleged nexus between the officer and “local elements,” which reportedly led to bias in the discharge of his duties.

The Commission has also taken action against grassroots-level officials. On April 17, three Booth Level Officers were suspended in North 24 Parganas for violations of the Model Code of Conduct. In another instance, two BLOs in Birbhum were suspended for alleged political involvement. These actions highlight the ECI’s attempt to enforce strict compliance with election rules across different levels of administration.

In the lead-up to the elections, several administrative and police officials were reshuffled across sensitive areas in West Bengal. These changes were carried out in late March and early April. The aim was to ensure a “level playing field” in districts considered vulnerable, such as Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas. The reshuffling was part of broader efforts to maintain fairness during the electoral process.

According to a source from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, many of these suspensions are based on complaints raised by political parties. These complaints often point to the failure of local police to act against reports of “goon” activity during door-to-door campaigning. Such allegations raise concerns about the role of law enforcement in ensuring free and fair elections.

West Bengal has witnessed a high voter turnout so far in the elections. In the first phase, over 90 per cent of the voting was recorded across 152 seats. The second phase is scheduled to take place on April 29. Voting will be conducted in the remaining 142 seats. With the elections underway, the ECI continues to monitor the situation closely and take action wherever required to maintain neutrality and discipline.

The recent suspensions underline the Commission’s strict stance on maintaining fairness during elections. By taking action against officers at different levels, the ECI aims to send a clear message about accountability and the importance of unbiased conduct during the democratic process.