The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday directed the West Bengal government to replace state police chief Virendra with immediate effect.
In a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, the Election Commission said IPS officer P Nirajnayan should be posted as Director General (DGP) and IGP of West Bengal in place of Virendra “with immediate effect”.
The letter added, “Virendra should not be given any post which directly or indirectly relates to conduct of the election”. In addition, the EC said the decision was taken after reviewing the situation ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
“Kindly inform the commission about the compliance latest by 10 am tomorrow (Wednesday),” the order went on to add.
According to reports, the EC’s decision was in response to complaints by several political parties, alleging that DGP Virendra was inclined towards the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Just recently, the Election Commission had removed Jawed Shamim from the post of ADG (Law and Order) of West Bengal after his wife was named as a candidate by the TMC. Shamim was replaced with IPS officer Jagmohan.
