EC transfers 38 officials in poll-bound states for ‘laxity’

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (EC) shunted out 38 senior officials on Wednesday in the five poll-bound states for “laxity” in maintaining the sanctity of electoral processes.

Following reviews and inputs, the EC has transferred nine DEOs, district magistrates, 25 commissioners of police, SPs, additional SPs and four secretaries and special secretaries, it is gathered.

DMs in Telangana (RangaReddy, Medchal Malkajgiri, Yadadri Bhuvangiri, Nirmal), Madhya Pradesh (Ratlam, Khargone), Alwar in Rajasthan were moved out.


Among the SPs shunted out are three commissioners of police from Telangana (Warangal, Hyderabad & Nizamabad), two from MP (Jabalpur, Bhind), 3 SPs (Korba, Rajnandgaon, Durg) & 2 additional SPs from Chhattisgarh (Bilaspur & Durg). SPs were transferred in border districts of Rajasthan — seen as sensitive and part of the liquor transit route — Hanumangarh, Churu and Bhiwadi.

Similarly, SPs of Champhai & Saiha districts along the international borders of Mizoram were also transferred amid deficiencies found in cracking down on narcotics.

All the officials have been directed to hand over charge to immediate juniors at once. State governments, meanwhile, have been asked to send in a panel of names of officials to replace them by October 12, 5pm.

The decisions were taken based on intensive reviews and inputs on movement of illegal liquor and drugs in the poll-bound states, especially in border districts, it is learnt. For instance, illegal liquor from Haryana and Punjab enters Rajasthan through districts of Hanumangarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Alwar which reaches the hinterland districts as well as the neighbouring state of Gujarat.

The policing measures in these districts were found wanting by the poll panel, triggering the transfer.