Kolkata, 18 April (H.S.) : The Election Commission on Saturday issued fresh details regarding a major disciplinary action taken ahead of the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections, confirming the suspension of three Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and directing departmental proceedings along with registration of FIRs against five concerned officials.

The action was initiated late on Friday night as part of the Commission’s efforts to ensure free and fair elections in the state.

The suspended officials have been identified as Tapan Kumar Saha, Abhijit Dey and Kumarjit Dutta of North 24 Parganas district. They have been accused of directly participating in election campaigning in favour of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

The Commission viewed the alleged conduct as a violation of election guidelines, under which officials assigned election duties are prohibited from taking part in activities linked to any political party.

Earlier, show-cause notices had been issued to the three officers. The Commission was reportedly dissatisfied with the replies submitted by Tapan Kumar Saha and Abhijit Dey, while Kumarjit Dutta allegedly refused to accept the notice. Following this, disciplinary measures were ordered.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has also directed the removal of Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Murlidhar Sharma from his post. Tripurari Atharva has been appointed as his replacement and was instructed to assume charge by 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Earlier, the Commission had ordered Sharma to be sent to Tamil Nadu as a police observer. That directive was later put on hold, allowing him to continue as Bidhannagar Police Commissioner for the time being. However, transfer orders issued for 13 other Indian Police Service officers remained in force.

West Bengal will go to Assembly polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for May 4.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh