Kolkata: The Election Commission of India has ordered the West Bengal government to immediately suspend five senior police officials in the Diamond Harbour area following allegations of serious misconduct during the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections. The directive, issued on April 24, targets officers accused of failing to maintain the neutrality required for the conduct of free and fair polls. The decision was based on a comprehensive report submitted by the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, which highlighted significant lapses in the professional conduct of the personnel involved.
The officers facing suspension include Additional Superintendent of Police Sandip Garai, SDPO Sajal Mondal, and the heads of three key police stations: Mausam Chakraborty of Diamond Harbour, Ajay Bag of Falta, and Subhechha Bag of Usthi. In addition to their suspension, the poll body has mandated the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings against them. For Additional SP Sandip Garai, who is an IPS officer, the Commission has further instructed the state to forward a detailed report to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which serves as the cadre controlling authority.
The Election Commission also took aim at the district’s top police leadership, directing the state administration to issue a formal warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Ishani Pal. The Commission noted that Pal failed to ensure necessary discipline and fairness among her subordinates during their election-related duties. This move underscores the poll panel’s rigorous stance on administrative impartiality as the state moves through its multi-phase electoral process.
The state government was given a strict deadline to implement these directions, with a compliance report due by 11 a.m. on April 25. This development comes amid a highly charged political atmosphere in West Bengal, where the neutrality of local administration and law enforcement remains a focal point of concern for competing political parties and electoral observers alike.
