The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate suspension of five police officials posted in Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, over alleged “serious misconduct” and failure to maintain neutrality during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
The decision was taken after the state’s Chief Electoral Officer submitted a report highlighting concerns about the conduct of police personnel during election duty. Those suspended include Additional Superintendent of Police Sandip Garai, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Sajal Mondal, and three station heads from Diamond Harbour, Falta, and Usthi police stations.
The Commission also directed that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against the officials and issued a warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Dr Ishani Pal for failing to ensure discipline and fairness among officers under her command. The action underscores the poll body’s efforts to safeguard electoral neutrality and ensure public confidence in the voting process.
EC Orders Suspension Over Poll Misconduct
In an official communication to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the Election Commission directed that the five officers be suspended “forthwith” and face departmental proceedings for their alleged misconduct during election-related duties.
The officials named in the order are Sandip Garai (Additional Superintendent of Police, Diamond Harbour), Sajal Mondal (SDPO, Diamond Harbour), Mausam Chakraborty (Inspector-in-Charge, Diamond Harbour Police Station), Ajay Bag (Inspector-in-Charge, Falta Police Station), and Subhechha Bag (Officer-in-Charge, Usthi Police Station).
According to the Commission, the action was taken after reviewing a report from the Chief Electoral Officer examining the behaviour of police personnel deployed during polling. In its order, the poll panel stated that the officers had allegedly failed to maintain neutrality while performing election duties and that their conduct warranted disciplinary measures.
The Commission also asked the West Bengal government to send a detailed report on Garai, an IPS officer, to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs his cadre-controlling authority suggesting that the matter may have implications beyond the state administration.
The directive further instructed the state administration to implement the suspensions immediately and submit a compliance report to the Commission by the specified deadline. In addition, the poll body issued a formal warning to Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Dr Ishani Pal, noting that she had allegedly failed to ensure discipline and fairness among subordinate officers involved in election duties.
The Commission emphasised that all officials deployed during elections are expected to maintain strict neutrality and professionalism, particularly when they are entrusted with safeguarding polling stations and maintaining law and order.
Heightened Monitoring During Bengal Polls
The disciplinary action comes amid heightened monitoring of election management in West Bengal, where authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements and observers to ensure free and fair polling. The first phase of voting in the state saw an exceptionally high voter turnout reported to be around 91-92 per cent making it one of the highest participation levels recorded in the state’s electoral history.
Officials said the voting process across tens of thousands of polling stations was completed largely without major disruptions, and no repoll was recommended following the first phase of voting.
At the same time, the Election Commission has undertaken a series of administrative measures to strengthen the credibility of the electoral process in the state. These steps have included transferring or reshuffling officials linked to election management and reviewing field reports submitted by observers and district authorities.
Such actions are intended to address allegations from political parties and stakeholders regarding potential bias or irregularities. Against this backdrop, the suspension of the five police officers marks a more stringent step by the Commission moving beyond transfers to disciplinary action to reinforce the principle that law enforcement officials must remain impartial during elections.
The Diamond Harbour police district, where the suspended officers were posted, is a politically significant region in South 24 Parganas district. Ensuring neutrality among security personnel in such areas is considered critical to maintaining trust among voters and political stakeholders.
By acting on the Chief Electoral Officer’s report, the Commission signalled that it would not hesitate to intervene if the conduct of officials risks undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Elections are among the most visible expressions of democratic participation, and their credibility depends not only on voter turnout but also on the fairness and neutrality of institutions responsible for conducting them. When allegations arise regarding the conduct of officials entrusted with maintaining order during polling, swift and transparent action becomes essential to protect public trust.
However, ensuring democratic integrity is a shared responsibility that goes beyond punitive measures. Transparent investigations, adherence to due process, and consistent institutional oversight are necessary to build long-term confidence in the electoral system. At the same time, political parties, public officials, and citizens must work collectively to uphold a culture of fairness, restraint, and respect for democratic norms.
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