State govt starts internal probe against 5 poll officials
The Statesman | 12 August 2025
The West Bengal government on Monday initiated an internal inquiry to probe the alleged involvement of the five poll personnel, including two Electoral Registration Officers (ERO), WBCS executives, and assistant EROs.
The govt decided for the move, instead of complying with the Election Commission of India (ECI) directives to suspend them immediately.
The state chief secretary (CS) Manoj Pant today wrote a letter to Sujeet Kumar Mishra, ECI secretary, updating him about what action the state government has taken so far in connection with the national poll body’s directives to suspend them the five poll officials first and then lodge FIRs against them without any delay.
“Pursuant to your letter, an internal enquiry into the issue as well as a comprehensive review of the existing processes and procedures governing the conduct of the said exercise has been undertaken,” Mr Pant’s letter states.
“……it is submitted that initiating proceedings before a detailed enquiry, against these officers who have consistently demonstrated sincerity and competence may be a disproportionately harsh measure. Such an action could have a demoralising impact not only on the individuals concerned but also on the broader team of officers engaged in electoral responsibilities and other administrative functions,” it adds.
The state government has withdrawn the AERO of Tamluk block and data entry operator of Baruipur Purba Assembly constituency from duties related to elections.
Mr Pant has also informed the ECI saying the government will submit an action taken report to the commission again after the completion of the internal probe.
The ECI has not yet responded to the state secretariat Nabanna regarding today’s letter of Mr Pant to the commission secretary.
Mr Mishra on 8 August had written to Mr Pant directing him to suspend the two EROs and two AEROs first and then lodge FIRs against the five polling personnel including the data entry operator.
The national poll body had also directed Mr Pant to submit the compliance report on its directives to them in Delhi within 3 pm by 11 August (today).
The deadline ends today but no action in connection with the compliance report has been taken by the state government so far against the five officials, a senior official of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office in the city said, requesting anonymity.
The ECI has also directed Mr Pant to suspend the two EROs and two AEROs with immediate effect and start suitable disciplinary proceedings against them without any delay.
The chief minister, Mamata Banerjee made a strong reaction on 6 August denying the implementation of the ECI directives.
Coming down heavily on the ECI Miss Banerjee had said she won’t allow any state government official to be punished.