Election Commission Suspends Kolkata Police Officer Over Serious Pre-Poll Lapse
The Election Commission of India has taken decisive action in Kolkata, suspending Kasba Police Station Officer-in-Charge Biswajit Debnath just six days after his appointment. This swift disciplinary measure came after Debnath omitted notorious criminal Sona Pappu from the crucial pre-poll list of history sheeters and active offenders submitted to the election authorities.
Major Police Reshuffle Across Kolkata Ahead of Elections
In a comprehensive administrative overhaul, the Election Commission executed a significant reshuffle within Kolkata Police, transferring several officers from key positions. The commission mandated a swap between the OCs of Hare Street and Thakurpukur police stations, with Lobsang Tsering Bhutia and Rajiv Sahu exchanging assignments.
Park Street OC Hirak Dalapati and Bijoyganj Bazar OC Ansghuman Roy were both transferred to the Detective Department, while Chetla OC Amitabha Sarkhel was shifted to the Special Task Force. Gariahat OC Anjan Sen received a transfer to the Special Branch as part of these sweeping changes.
Strict 16-Point Directive for Election Security
The Election Commission issued comprehensive directives to both state police and Kolkata Police, emphasizing accurate documentation of absconding and proclaimed offenders. The commission explicitly held Officers-in-Charge accountable for maintaining precise lists of individuals with criminal histories.
Sub-Divisional Police Officers received specific instructions to execute all pending non-bailable warrants, prepare updated lists of offenders, and launch special drives to apprehend absconders. Police authorities were further directed to map sensitive areas and identify individuals with documented histories of electoral violence.
The commission's detailed 16-point directive included requirements to complete investigations into past poll-related crimes, execute all pending warrants within ten days, and implement preventive measures to ensure law and order during the election period.
Criminal Background of Omitted Offender Sona Pappu
Sona Pappu, whose omission triggered the suspension, has been absconding since recent violence erupted in the Kankulia Road area. The Enforcement Directorate is currently investigating Pappu's alleged involvement in multiple criminal activities including land grabbing, extortion operations, and illegal construction rackets.
Police officials confirmed that multiple First Information Reports have been registered against Pappu, including charges of extortion and criminal intimidation. His criminal history made his exclusion from the pre-poll list particularly concerning to election authorities.
Additional Administrative Changes and Appointments
Following the Election Commission's directives, Kolkata Police implemented further administrative changes. Nilkantha Ray has been appointed as the new Officer-in-Charge of Park Street Police Station, while Raj Kumar Mishra will assume command at Gariahat Police Station.
Manish Singh has been assigned to lead Bijoyganj Bazar Police Station, with Manoj Dutta taking charge at Chetla Police Station. In a separate administrative decision, an earlier transfer order for traffic officer Prashanta Majumdar was cancelled, allowing him to continue his duties in the Gariahat area.
These comprehensive measures reflect the Election Commission's intensified focus on election security and administrative accountability as polling approaches in West Bengal.
