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EC orders major Kolkata police reshuffle ahead of voting (Internet)
Kolkata: Ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a significant reshuffle within the Kolkata Police, transferring several Officers-in-Charge (OCs) across key police stations. The move is part of the Commission’s broader effort to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Key Transfers Across Kolkata Police Stations
According to official sources, multiple senior officers have been reassigned:
Hirak Dalpati, OC of Park Street Police Station, has been moved to the Intelligence Department
Nilkantha Roy, from the Detective Department at Lalbazar, takes over as the new OC of Park Street
Rajkumar Mishra, Additional OC of Shyampukur, has been transferred to Gariahat Police Station
Manish Singh, Additional OC of Entally, is now in charge of Vijayganj Bazar Police Station
Manoj Dutta has been brought back from the STF and appointed OC of Chetla Police Station
Amitabh Sarkar, former OC of Chetla, has been shifted to the STF
In addition, OCs of Hare Street and Thakurpukur police stations-Lopsang Shering Bhutia and Rajiv Sahu-have swapped positions as part of the reshuffle.
Orders Issued for Administrative Changes
The reshuffle was carried out through official directives (Order Nos. 181 and 182), impacting several officers of Inspector rank. Many have been reassigned to specialized units such as the Detective Department, Special Task Force (STF), and Special Branch.
These changes also include partial amendments to earlier orders (Nos. 174 and 175) issued on March 29, indicating ongoing adjustments in the police administration ahead of polling.
Action Following Bhabanipur Incident
The Commission’s actions come in the wake of tensions in Bhabanipur during a roadshow attended by Amit Shah, organized by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari before filing his nomination.
Following the incident, the ECI directed the State Chief Secretary to take immediate action. Four police officers were suspended for alleged negligence that led to a breakdown in law and order. The Commission also instructed that their responsibilities be reassigned without delay.
Within just 24 hours of these developments, the Election Commission ordered the transfer of OCs from six Kolkata police stations, underscoring its proactive stance on maintaining neutrality and discipline during the election period.
