Kolkata: The EC has suspended Hingalganj PS officer-in-charge Sandeep Sarkar over allegations of partisanship and failure to ensure a level playing field during the ongoing assembly election. It has also directed that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against him.According to sources, the decision comes amid heightened political tension in the assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas. The development follows recent allegations that the BJP distributed cash to voters ahead of polling.Police detained two BJP functionaries — local functionary Tarun Mondal and former Assam MLA Kishore Nath — who were allegedly caught distributing money among residents while campaigning for BJP candidate Rekha Patra. The BJP, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless, claiming that the police acted under the influence of TMC netas.In an official communication to the state’s chief secretary on Thursday, the EC cited reports received from the Bengal CEO, pointing to a “nexus with local elements” and dereliction of duty. Acting on these findings, the EC ordered that Sarkar be suspended and that disciplinary proceedings be initiated without delay.Administrative sources said multiple complaints were filed against Sarkar, including accusations of maintaining a covert nexus with local miscreants and sections of the political establishment. He was also accused of failing to maintain neutrality among contesting parties in the run-up to the 2026 assembly election.Basirhat SP Alaknanda Vhowal said the suspension was carried out in compliance with the EC directive.
