ECI Orders Removal Of Beldanga IC Ahead Of West Bengal Assembly Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the removal of the Inspector In-Charge (IC) of Beldanga police station in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections, a poll panel official confirmed. The move comes as part of a broader administrative reshuffle being carried out in the state in the run-up to polling.

According to the Commission’s directive, Animesh Dey, who had been serving as the IC of Beldanga police station for a considerable period, has been transferred from his post. He has been replaced by Ashutosh Rai, who was previously posted as an Inspector in the Howrah Police Commissionerate. The EC has instructed that Rai assume charge of the Beldanga police station by Tuesday night.

This development follows an earlier administrative change on April 11, when the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Beldanga, Uttam Garai, was also removed from his position. In his place, Anandjit Horke was appointed as the new SDPO, marking another key shift in the local policing structure within the same subdivision.

Also Read: PM Modi Urges BJP Booth Workers To Strengthen Ground Campaign In West Bengal

The reshuffle comes against the backdrop of heightened political and administrative sensitivity in the region. In January, tensions had escalated in Beldanga following the death of a migrant worker, an incident that later drew wider attention. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently probing the case on the directions of the Supreme Court, and questions were raised at the time regarding the role of the state police and local administration in handling the situation.

The Election Commission has been carrying out periodic transfers of police and administrative officials across West Bengal since the announcement of the Assembly elections. The poll body has maintained that officials removed from their posts will not be assigned any election-related duties in the state during the electoral process, in line with its efforts to ensure neutrality in administration.

West Bengal will vote for its 294 Assembly constituencies in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Murshidabad district, where Beldanga is located, is scheduled to go to polls in the first phase. The counting of votes is set to take place on May 4.

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee’s Political Journey Reviewed As West Bengal Prepares For 2026 Assembly Election