ECI cracks down on West Bengal Police: Five officers suspended for bias in Diamond Harbour
New Delhi: In a major move to ensure electoral integrity, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended five high-ranking police officers in West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour district. The officers face disciplinary action following allegations of "serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality" during the ongoing 2026 Assembly elections.
In a formal communication to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the ECI ordered the immediate suspension of:
- Sandip Garai (Additional SP, Diamond Harbour)
- Sajal Mondal (SDPO, Diamond Harbour)
- Mausam Chakraborty (IC, Diamond Harbour Police Station)
- Ajay Bag (IC, Falta Police Station)
- Subhechha Bag (OC, Usthi Police Station)
Beyond the suspensions, the Commission issued a stern warning to Diamond Harbour SP Ishani Pal, citing a failure to maintain discipline and ensure impartial conduct among her subordinates. The state government was ordered to implement these directives and submit a compliance report by Saturday morning.
This administrative crackdown comes amidst a historic electoral turnout. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar noted that West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have seen record-breaking participation.
"Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence - ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu," CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.
Data reveals that West Bengal recorded a massive 91.46% turnout in Phase I. Districts such as Dakshin Dinajpur (94.85%) and Cooch Behar (94.54%) led the surge. While polling for 152 seats in Bengal and all 234 seats in Tamil Nadu has concluded, the remaining 142 constituencies in West Bengal will vote on May 29. All results are scheduled to be announced on May 4.
ANI