Punjab SDM Transferred Following Public Letter Alleging Harassment by Moga Deputy Commissioner
In a significant administrative move, Baghapurana sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Babandeep Singh Walia has been transferred to Fazilka, where he will assume the role of chief minister's field officer against a vacant post. This transfer comes just three days after Walia's letter to the Punjab chief secretary, dated March 22, surfaced publicly, alleging harassment and intimidation by Moga deputy commissioner Sagar Setia.
Allegations Over Block Samiti Election Results
The controversy centers on the March 17 block samiti elections in Baghapurana, where Walia declared the results. According to his letter, the results had remained incomplete due to a poor law and order situation, leading to tensions. In the letter, Walia, a 2016 batch Punjab civil services (PCS) officer, demanded to be transferred out of Moga, sought security, and requested a month's leave, citing the alleged harassment by Setia.
On March 24, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered fresh elections for the Baghapurana block samiti based on a petition filed by 15 members who alleged irregularities in the initial process. The court expressed displeasure over the public surfacing of Walia's letter, noting that while the officer has the right to raise concerns with the chief secretary, the letter should not have been uploaded on social media platforms.
Implications and Administrative Response
The transfer of Walia to Fazilka as the chief minister's field officer is seen as a direct response to the escalating situation. This move aims to address the officer's safety concerns and the administrative fallout from the public disclosure of the letter. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in election management and officer safety in Punjab's local governance structures.
Key Points:
- Babandeep Singh Walia transferred from Baghapurana SDM to Fazilka as CM's field officer.
- Transfer follows his March 22 letter alleging harassment by Moga DC Sagar Setia over block samiti election results.
- Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered fresh elections on March 24 due to irregularities.
- Court criticized the public sharing of the letter, emphasizing proper channels for such complaints.
This development underscores the delicate balance between administrative transparency and protocol in handling internal grievances within the Punjab government.
