The Election Commission has ordered the immediate suspension of five police officers in West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them over alleged misconduct and failure to remain neutral during the 2026 Assembly elections.
According to officials, the action came after the poll panel reviewed a report submitted by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal regarding the conduct of police personnel during election duty.
The officers named in the order are Additional Superintendent of Police Sandip Garai, SDPO Sajal Mondal, Diamond Harbour police station inspector-in-charge Mausam Chakraborty, Falta police station inspector-in-charge Ajay Bag, and Usthi police station officer-in-charge Subhechha Bag.
"After considering the facts and circumstances of the matter, the commission directs that these 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 EC said in its order.
The Election Commission also directed the state government to send a report on Additional Superintendent of Police Garai, an IPS officer, to his cadre controlling authority in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In the same order, the poll panel asked the state government to issue a warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Ishani Pal for "failing to ensure discipline and fairness" among subordinate officers in election-related duties.
The Commission instructed the state administration to implement the directions immediately and submit a compliance report by 11 am on April 25.
