Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.) : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has removed the Inspector In-Charge (IC) of Beldanga police station in Murshidabad district as part of its ongoing administrative reshuffle ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

According to a poll panel official, Animesh Dey, who had been serving as the IC of Beldanga for a considerable period, has been replaced. The Commission has appointed Ashutosh Rai, an Inspector from the Howrah Police Commissionerate, as the new IC. He has been directed to assume charge by Wednesday night.

This move follows an earlier decision on April 11, when the ECI removed the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Beldanga, Uttam Garai. Anandjit Horke has since been appointed as the new SDPO in his place.

The reshuffle comes amid heightened scrutiny of law and order in the region. In January, tensions escalated in Beldanga following the death of a migrant worker. The incident is currently under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), as directed by the Supreme Court of India. The episode had also raised questions regarding the role of the state police and local administration in handling the situation.

The ECI has been actively reassigning bureaucrats and IPS officers across West Bengal since the announcement of the Assembly elections, emphasizing the need for impartial administration. The Commission has reiterated that officials removed from their posts will not be assigned any election-related duties for the time being.

Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with Murshidabad district voting in the first phase. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh