Kolkata, March 30: The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the transfer of 184 inspector-rank police officers on Sunday evening, amid the crucial assembly elections taking place in two phases in West Bengal.
Of the 184 transferred officers, 153 are affiliated with the West Bengal Police, while the remaining 31 are part of the Kolkata Police. Most of these officers have been assigned roles as inspector-in-charge or officer-in-charge at various police stations.
Earlier in the day, the Election Commission also ordered the transfer of 83 block development officers (BDOs) and assistant returning officers (AROs) in West Bengal.
Since the announcement of the two-phase voting schedule for West Bengal on March 15, the Commission has periodically issued transfer orders for bureaucrats and police officials at various levels. This transfer process began with top-ranking bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary, as well as the Director General and Additional Directors General of Police.
In the second phase, transfers were made for mid-level officials such as district magistrates in the bureaucracy and deputy inspectors general, superintendents, and deputy commissioners in police administration.
The third and final phase of transfers has now commenced for lower-level positions within the administrative hierarchy. This includes additional district magistrates, sub-divisional officers, block development officers in general administration, and additional superintendents, deputy superintendents, assistant superintendents, assistant commissioners, and inspectors in police administration.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress leadership have previously accused the Commission of conducting such large-scale transfers of bureaucrats and police personnel at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Earlier this week, hearings were completed on a public interest petition challenging the transfers ordered by the Election Commission in the Calcutta High Court. However, the decision on this matter has been reserved.
The assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled for April 23 and April 29 in two phases. Voting will take place for 152 assembly seats in the first phase and for the remaining 142 seats in the second phase. Results will be announced on May 4.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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