The Election Commission has ordered a large-scale reshuffle of police officials across West Bengal ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, transferring officers in-charge and inspectors in-charge of 173 police stations. The move includes 31 police stations under Kolkata Police and is aimed at ensuring neutral law enforcement during polling.
Transfers across key constituencies
Officials said the reshuffle covers several politically significant constituencies, including Bhabanipur in Kolkata and Nandigram in Purba Medinipur. Both seats are expected to witness high-profile contests.
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According to the order, Soumitra Basu, previously with the Special Task Force (STF), has been appointed as inspector in-charge of Bhabanipur Police Station, reported NDTV. The constituency is set for a closely watched contest, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee facing her former associate-turned-rival Suvendu Adhikari.
The reshuffle also affects officers in districts such as Cooch Behar, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Paschim Medinipur, Howrah, and North and South 24-Parganas. In Kolkata, officers from multiple police stations, including Alipore, Ekbalpore, Haridevpur, Entally, Jorasanko, Gariahat, Bhawanipore, New Market, Bowbazar, Tollygunge, Amherst Street, Taratala, and Behala, have been transferred.
Debdulal Mondal has been posted as IC of Haldia, Kajal Dutta to Kolaghat, Susanta Chattopadhyay from Alipurduar to Egra, and Chandrakanta Shasmal as OC of Patashpur, officials said, as reported by NDTV.
Administrative reshuffle beyond police
In a parallel move, the poll panel also transferred 14 block development officers (BDOs) in Purba Medinipur, including those in Nandigram I and Nandigram II. Earlier in the day, 83 block development officers and assistant returning officers across 18 districts were also shifted.
The transfers cover blocks ranging from Dinhata-II in Cooch Behar to Diamond Harbour-I and II in South 24 Parganas. Other areas include Ramnagar, Nandigram-I and II, Nanoor, Labhpur, Suri-I, Mohammad Bazar, Ilambazar and Mayureswar-I.
Poll body officials said such large-scale transfers are aimed at ensuring neutrality in law enforcement and maintaining a level playing field during the elections by minimising local influence.
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The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. Voters will elect all 294 members, while the current Assembly's term ends on May 7.
