ECI directs Bengal DGP to review security cover for TMC leaders

Malda: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken serious note of the deployment of a large number of police personnel - around 2,185 - by the West Bengal government to provide personal security to ruling Trinamool Congress leaders, as well as party supporters, ahead of the announcement of the assembly polls.

The ECI has directed West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta to conduct a strict professional review within the next two to three days in a fair and equitable manner, people in the know told ET.

Earlier in the day, the ECI had sought a status report from the Bengal Police on implementation of its previous order regarding the withdrawal of state-provided security cover for tainted political leaders with criminal records, irrespective of their political affiliations.


Meanwhile, the poll body has suspended a joint Block Development Officer (BDO), who was serving as an Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) in East Burdwan district, on charges of gross dereliction of duty. The officer, Jyotsna Khatun, is the joint BDO-cum-RO of the Khandaghosh Development Block in East Burdwan district, the ECI said.