EC penalizes 7 paramilitary personnel for attending iftar party during poll duty in Murshidabad

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has demonstrated its commitment to neutrality by taking stringent disciplinary action against seven central paramilitary personnel deployed in West Bengal. The action stems from an incident in Murshidabad where the personnel allegedly attended an Eid Iftar party while on active election duty. According to the Commission, accepting such invitations or hospitality from local entities constitutes a serious violation of the standard operating procedures laid out for forces maintaining law and order during the poll season.

Following an internal investigation, the ECI ordered immediate repercussions for the accused. Two of the jawans have been placed under formal custody within their respective paramilitary units as per internal service rules. The remaining five personnel have been stripped of their duties in West Bengal and ordered to leave the state immediately. This decisive move aims to ensure that the central forces remain insulated from any local influence or perceptions of bias that could compromise the integrity of the upcoming Assembly elections.

A departmental inquiry has been formally initiated against all seven individuals to determine the extent of the protocol breach. Sources within the Commission emphasized that the prohibition on accepting hospitality, gifts, or benefits while on duty is a non-negotiable rule designed to maintain the "unbiased umpire" status of the security forces. The ECI’s swift response serves as a stern warning to the thousands of other central personnel currently stationed across the state’s sensitive zones.