The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered action against alleged police misconduct in West Bengal ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections, suspending five officers from Diamond Harbour police district, including a senior IPS officer.
The move comes just a day after action was taken against the Officer-in-Charge of Hingalganj Police Station in North 24 Parganas, signalling what officials describe as a firm, “zero tolerance” approach towards any bias during the electoral process.
In its official communication dated April 24, the Commission stated that, “after considering the facts and circumstances of the matter, the Commission directs that the following officers may be suspended forthwith and disciplinary proceedings be initiated for their serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality during West Bengal Legislative Elections 2026.”
The officers named in the order are Sandeep Garai, IPS, Additional SP, Diamond Harbour; Sajal Mandal, SDPO, Diamond Harbour; Mousam Chakraborty, Inspector-in-Charge of Diamond Harbour Police Station; Ajay Bag, Inspector-in-Charge of Falta Police Station; and Shubhechha Bag, Officer-in-Charge of Usthi Police Station. The ECI has directed that departmental proceedings against all five officers begin immediately.
In addition, the ECI has issued a warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Ishani Pal, holding her responsible for lapses in supervision. The notice stated that a warning be issued to her “for failure to ensure discipline and fairness on the part of her subordinate officers in sensitive matters like elections.”
The action follows a report submitted by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal on April 22, which flagged concerns over the conduct of police personnel during the ongoing election process.
The Election Commission has also moved to strengthen oversight on the ground. It has decided to deploy 10 additional police observers from states such as Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, taking the total number of observers in West Bengal from 84 to 94.
Earlier, the Commission had suspended Sandeep Sarkar, Officer-in-Charge of Hingalganj Police Station, over allegations of collusion with local elements and failing to provide a “level playing field” to all political parties. The state government has been asked to send a panel of names for his replacement at the earliest.
