The Election Commission (EC) has suspended Sandeep Sarkar, the officer-in-charge of Hingalganj Police Station, over allegations of partisanship and failure to ensure a level playing field during the ongoing assembly election in West Bengal. The EC has also directed that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against him without delay.
Background of the Suspension
According to sources, the decision comes amid heightened political tension in the assembly constituency located in North 24 Parganas. The development follows recent allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) distributed cash to voters ahead of polling. Police detained two BJP functionaries — local functionary Tarun Mondal and former Assam MLA Kishore Nath — who were allegedly caught distributing money among residents while campaigning for BJP candidate Rekha Patra. The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless, claiming that the police acted under the influence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders.
EC's Directive and Findings
In an official communication to the state's chief secretary on Thursday, the EC cited reports received from the Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), pointing to a "nexus with local elements" and dereliction of duty. Acting on these findings, the EC ordered that Sarkar be suspended and that disciplinary proceedings be initiated without delay. Administrative sources said multiple complaints were filed against Sarkar, including accusations of maintaining a covert nexus with local miscreants and sections of the political establishment. He was also accused of failing to maintain neutrality among contesting parties in the run-up to the 2026 assembly election.
Official Response
Basirhat Superintendent of Police (SP) Alaknanda Vhowal confirmed that the suspension was carried out in compliance with the EC directive. The EC's action underscores its commitment to ensuring a free and fair electoral process in West Bengal, where political tensions have been running high.
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