ECI raps state for failure to shift cops

The Election Commission of India (ECI), headed by Rajiv Kumar, has raised the issue of failure of the state government and police to comply with its orders for the transfer of police and revenue department officers. It has sought an explanation from the state chief secretary and the state police chief on the matter.

- Prajakta Pol

Earlier, the issue was raised through a letter that had stipulated a deadline of August 31.

The issue pertains to the presence of over 100 police inspectors in key positions in Mumbai. At a meeting with the chief secretary Sujata Saunik and DGP Rashmi Shukla, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar questioned the rationale behind their assignments, especially in light of the upcoming assembly elections.

Ahead of the November elections, the ECI had, on July 31, directed the Maharashtra government and police to transfer officials who were either posted in their home districts or had served in the same location for over three years. The EC requested action-taken reports by August 20. Despite repeated reminders on August 22, September 11 and September 25, the EC noted in a letter on Friday that it had yet to receive a full report.

While the additional DGP submitted a partial update, no response was received from the chief secretary, the ECI wrote asking both of them to immediately submit the required reports.