In a significant administrative move just hours before the announcement of the West Bengal Assembly Election schedule, the state government has ordered a massive reshuffle within the police force. Nabanna, the state secretariat, has issued orders to transfer the Inspectors-in-Charge (IC) of 12 key police stations and over 100 police inspectors across various districts and commissionerates. This reshuffle is seen as a strategic step to align with the Election Commission’s guidelines regarding officials posted in the same location for prolonged periods.

Key Changes in Police Stations: The reshuffle primarily impacts sensitive zones across North and South Bengal. Key police stations under the Bidhannagar, Barrackpore, and Howrah Commissionerates have received new heads. Additionally, tactical changes have been made in districts like Birbhum, Malda, and West Midnapore. While the state government has termed these transfers as “routine administrative procedures,” political analysts suggest that the move is aimed at strengthening the law and order machinery before the deployment of central forces.

Compliance with EC Norms: The Election Commission of India (ECI) usually mandates that any official directly involved in election duties who has completed three years in a particular district or is posted in their home district must be moved. By executing these transfers just before the poll dates were officially revealed, the state administration has ensured that the new officers have adequate time to familiarize themselves with their new jurisdictions.

All transferred officers have been directed to join their new postings with immediate effect. With the two-phase election set to begin in late April, these officers will play a crucial role in managing local security and ensuring a peaceful environment at the polling booths.