Ex-Kolkata CP Supratim Sarkar seeks exemption from Tamil Nadu election duty citing health reasons

Former Kolkata Police Commissioner and current Additional Director General of Police in the CID, Supratim Sarkar, has requested relief from his assignment as a police observer in Tamil Nadu, citing health reasons. The Election Commission had designated him to oversee the Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram, Palayamkottai, Nanguneri, and Radhapuram assembly constituencies as part of election monitoring duties. Sources indicate that Sarkar submitted a formal appeal to the Commission, explaining his inability to travel due to medical concerns.

Sarkar had assumed charge as Kolkata Police Commissioner on January 31, 2026, but was removed from the post on March 16 following the announcement of assembly elections in West Bengal. This was part of a broader administrative reshuffle initiated by the Election Commission, which also involved the transfer of the state’s Director General of Police, Piyush Pandey, and a total of 31 IPS officers. Following his removal, Sarkar was appointed to the CID, where he recently oversaw the arrest of the alleged main accused in the Malda judicial officers’ attack case.

The Malda incident, which involved protests over the removal of names from the voter list and the alleged detention of judicial officials, has kept Sarkar in the spotlight. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had highlighted that the arrest was carried out by the CID, which functions independently of the local police currently under the Election Commission’s control. The recent administrative changes, combined with the sensitive nature of election monitoring, underscore the importance of experienced officers like Sarkar in ensuring law and order.

Earlier, the Commission had deployed six IAS officers and 15 IPS officers from West Bengal to other states, primarily Tamil Nadu and Kerala, for election duty. However, only 10 of the 15 IPS officers had been sent so far. Sarkar’s exemption request could potentially affect the Commission’s plans, and all eyes are on whether his appeal will be accepted or if he will be required to undertake the assignment despite health concerns.