Three central forces jawans have been suspended after a video showed them playing carrom inside a Trinamool Congress party office in Suri, Birbhum. The video, which went viral recently, has not been independently verified by News Ei Samay.
According to Election Commission sources, the three personnel were immediately suspended, and a departmental inquiry has been ordered. The action comes amid heightened vigilance over the neutrality of central forces deployed for election duty in the state.
Commission acts after video triggers row
The incident comes at a time when central forces have been stationed across West Bengal since before the election announcement. Route marches began in several districts soon after the poll schedule was declared on March 15.
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Concerns over the impartiality of central forces during elections have surfaced repeatedly in the past. This time, the Election Commission has maintained a strict stance from the outset. Officials reiterated that any behaviour raising questions about neutrality will invite strong action.
The latest episode has intensified political reactions. BJP candidate from the Suri Assembly constituency, Jagannath Chattopadhyay, criticised the incident, stating, "The job of central forces is to stand by frightened voters. Instead of doing that, they are playing carrom inside the Trinamool party office. We have already informed the Election Commission about this matter."
Previous action signals zero tolerance
The Commission had taken similar action just days earlier in Murshidabad, where seven jawans were penalised for attending a function at a private residence. Authorities had then clarified that accepting hospitality or facilities while on duty is strictly prohibited.
In that case, two personnel were placed in custody under paramilitary rules, while five others were transferred out of the state.
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Responding to the latest controversy, Trinamool's Birbhum district vice-president Malay Mukhopadhyay said, "Actually, the central forces jawans considered that place the safest, so they were playing carrom there."
With the current suspension, the Election Commission has sent a clear message that any perceived bias or misconduct by forces on election duty will not be tolerated.
