Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Mar 30: In a major pre-poll exercise, the Election Commission of India on Sunday ordered the transfer of officers-in-charge (OCs) and inspectors-in-charge (ICs) of 173 police stations across West Bengal, including 31 under Kolkata Police, to ensure free and fair Assembly elections.
Officials said key constituencies such as Bhabanipur and Nandigram were part of the reshuffle, underlining their political significance.
According to orders, Soumitra Basu, previously with the Special Task Force (STF), has been appointed as IC of Bhabanipur police station. The constituency is set to witness a high-profile contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her former aide-turned-rival Suvendu Adhikari, making it one of the most closely watched seats in the state.
The reshuffle also covered several police stations in Kolkata, including Alipore, Ekbalpore, Haridevpur, Entally, Jorasanko, Gariahat, New Market, Bowbazar, Tollygunge, Amherst Street, Taratala and Behala.
In the districts, transfers were carried out across Cooch Behar, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Paschim Medinipur, Howrah and North and South 24 Parganas. Among key postings, Debdulal Mondal has been appointed IC of Haldia, Kajal Dutta to Kolaghat, Susanta Chattopadhyay to Egra, and Chandrakanta Shasmal as OC of Patashpur.
In a parallel move, the poll panel also transferred 14 block development officers (BDOs) in Purba Medinipur district, including those in Nandigram I and II blocks. Earlier in the day, as many as 83 BDOs and assistant returning officers were shifted across 18 districts.
Officials said the large-scale transfers are aimed at ensuring neutrality in administration and minimising local influence during the elections, thereby maintaining a level playing field.
The reshuffle, however, comes amid ongoing friction between the state government and the Centre. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly alleged that such transfers ahead of elections are politically motivated.
Elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4, officials added.