EC suspends Basanti IC over poll violence

Kolkata: EC on Friday ordered the suspension of Avijit Paul, the IC of Basanti police station, following an incident of violence in South 24 Parganas ahead of the assembly elections.

In a directive, the EC cited "serious negligence and dereliction of duty" on the part of the IC in handling law and order during a clash that broke out on March 26 in the Basanti Bazar area under Baruipur Police district. Several people, including police personnel, were injured in the violence.


According to the EC, despite having prior information regarding the public programme of two political parties, Paul failed to make adequate security arrangements. Despite the availability of central forces for the last few days, he did not requisition their deployment to manage the situation, the EC observed.

The EC directed that Paul be placed under immediate suspension and that departmental proceedings be initiated against him. He was also replaced by inspector Prabir Ghosh from the Enforcement Branch of Bengal Police. EC has instructed the chief secretary to ensure compliance with the order and submit a report by 9pm on March 27.