The Election Commission (EC) on Friday ordered the immediate suspension of Abhijit Pal, Inspector-in-Charge (IC) of Basanti police station, South 24 Parganas, citing negligence of duty and failure to maintain law and order following violent clashes during election campaigning.
The action comes less than 24 hours after a major clash broke out on Thursday in the Basanti area, reportedly linked to political programmes by rival parties. Several police personnel and civilians were injured in the violence, prompting swift intervention from the Commission.
In a communication to Nabanna, the state secretariat, the EC stated that despite prior intelligence inputs about political activity in the area, the officer failed to ensure adequate deployment of forces. The Commission also noted that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), present in the area, were not effectively utilised to control the situation— terming it a case of “gross negligence.”
The Commission has directed that a departmental inquiry be initiated against Pal with immediate effect. Inspector Prabir Ghosh of the Enforcement Branch has been appointed as the new IC of Basanti Police Station. Additionally, the State Chief Secretary has been asked to submit a compliance report on the action taken by 9:00 pm on Friday.
The move signals a strict stance by the Commission ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election, with officials indicating that no lapses in security arrangements will be tolerated in sensitive areas.
The Basanti violence is the latest in a series of poll-related tensions in the state. According to police, clashes erupted during a BJP campaign led by candidate Bikash Sardar, with allegations that miscreants attacked the procession. The situation escalated when police intervened, leading to further confrontation between workers of the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
At least eight police personnel were injured while trying to bring the situation under control. The BJP has accused TMC-backed elements of orchestrating the attack, while the ruling party has denied the allegations, claiming that public anger against the BJP triggered the unrest.
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