Thaindian News

Kolkata, March 16 (IANS) The Election Commission has sought the replacement of Kolkata Police Commissioner Gautam Mohan Chakraborty as he has completed more than three years in office, a West Bengal electoral officer said Wednesday.

The Election Commission Tuesday evening instructed West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta to approach the state government on the issue.

Accordingly, state Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh was asked for the replacement of the city police commissioner.

“The government has also been asked to prepare a panel of three officers for the post and submit it to the Election Commission. The commission will choose the candidate,” Additional Chief Electoral Officer N.K. Sahana said.

Earlier, the Election Commission had issued a general order Dec 14 that police officers from the rank of sub-inspector up to inspector general having served more than three years in the same post or in their home district should be transferred before the April-May assembly polls.

However, this order is not applicable for officers above the rank of inspector general and officers who are posted in state headquarters.

“As the state government did not replace Chakraborty between Dec 14 and Feb 28, the Election Commission had to intervene into the matter,” Sahana said.

“After the announcement of poll dates, all the police officers from the rank of constable to director general of police come under the deputation of the Election Commission. So, the commission has the authority to replace any police officer who was not transferred according to the order,” Sahana said.

Asked why Chakraborty should be replaced since he was an additional director general rank officer and was posted in state headquarters, Sahana said: “The Election Commission has not clarified the reason. So, I will not be able to comment in this regard.”