ECI Seeks Explanations from SSP Mainpuri & Etawah Over Transfer of Police Officers

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 2nd Dec. The Election Commission of India has sought explanations from the SSPs of Mainpuri and Etawah for violating ECI instructions on the transfer and posting of police officers in view of the ongoing bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri Parliamentary Constituency, officials said on Thursday.

“With reference to the representation received from Ramgopal Yadav of Samajwadi Party, the Commission headed by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, after due deliberation has directed the SSP, Mainpuri to immediately relieve the Sub-Inspectors namely Suresh Chand, Kadir Shah, Sudhir Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Satya Bhan and Raj Kumar Goswami falling under the said transfer and posting policy, from the police stations located in respective Assembly segments, wherein they are presently posted,” read an official statement by the Election Commission.

The commission asked SSP Mainpuri to explain why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him for failing to comply with the Commission’s existing instructions and relevant provisions of the Model Code of Conduct while carrying out the transfer and posting of Police personnel.

The commission directed the official to explain why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him for granting long leave to the four SHOs of police stations in Vaidpura, Bharthana, Jaswantnagar, and Chaubiya without the Commission’s prior permission following the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.

“CEO UP has also been directed to ensure that force deployment relating to ongoing bye-election for 21-Mainpuri Parliamentary Constituency is done strictly under the supervision of the concerned General and Police Observer, following the laid down procedure of randomization etc. Randomization of the local police force is a cornerstone of extant instruction of the Commission to ensure fairness,” added the statement.

To ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election, all DEOs of election-going districts have been directed to ensure that the Commission’s current instructions, relevant provisions of law, and the Model Code of Conduct are followed in letter and spirit.