The Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended five police officers in West Bengal's Diamond Harbour district over alleged lapses during the ongoing 2026 Assembly elections. The action follows findings of "serious misconduct and failure to maintain neutrality", according to an official communication sent to the state's Chief Secretary, new agency ANI reported.
Those suspended include Sandip Garai, Additional SP, 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.
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Disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against all five officers.
Warning issued to district SP
Apart from the suspensions, the Commission has warned Diamond Harbour SP Ishani Pal. The warning pertains to an alleged failure to ensure discipline and neutrality among officers handling sensitive election-related responsibilities.
The poll body has directed that the suspensions be implemented immediately, with a compliance report to be submitted by 11 am on Saturday.
High voter turnout across states
The developments come even as polling recorded high participation levels. Per ANI, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said, "Highest ever percentage of polling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu since Independence. ECI salutes each voter of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu."
Polling concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with West Bengal registering a turnout of 91.91 per cent in Phase I, as per Election Commission data. Several districts reported participation levels above 90 per cent.
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Dakshin Dinajpur recorded the highest turnout at 94.85%, followed by Cooch Behar (94.54%), Birbhum (93.70%), Jalpaiguri (93.23%), and Murshidabad (92.93%). The figures indicate strong voter engagement across the state.
Polling schedule and next phase
Voting was conducted for 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and 152 constituencies in West Bengal under tight security arrangements. The remaining 142 constituencies in West Bengal are scheduled to go to polls on May 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.
