Ex-Kolkata CP Supratim Sarkar appointed ECI Police Observer for Tamil Nadu

In a fresh development amid heightened administrative activity ahead of elections, senior IPS officer Supratim Sarkar has sought exemption from an Election Commission assignment in Tamil Nadu, citing health concerns. The Commission had directed him to serve as a police observer in sensitive areas, but his request for leave has triggered discussions within administrative circles.

According to official directives, Sarkar was assigned to oversee law and order in key constituencies of Tamil Nadu, including Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram, Palayamkottai, Nanguneri and Radhapuram. The deployment was part of broader measures by the Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair elections in sensitive regions. However, Sarkar has reportedly informed the Commission that sudden medical issues prevent him from undertaking the assignment.

The development gains significance as Sarkar has been at the centre of recent administrative reshuffles in West Bengal. Shortly after the election announcement, he was removed from the post of Kolkata Police Commissioner, a position he had assumed on January 31, and was reassigned within weeks. He currently serves as Additional Director General in the CID.

Following his transfer, Sarkar remained in focus after CID arrested a key accused in the Malda judges’ attack case, an action that drew public praise from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His recent reassignment and subsequent request for exemption have further intensified attention on administrative decisions during the election period.

The Election Commission has undertaken large-scale transfers and deployments of officers across states, including sending multiple IAS and IPS officers from Bengal to other regions for poll duty. Sarkar’s plea now places the Commission in a position to decide whether to grant relief based on medical grounds or enforce its directive, as scrutiny over administrative neutrality continues.