EC withdraws transfer of Abhijit Mondal after RG Kar case row, calls inclusion ‘inadvertent’

A controversy erupted after the Election Commission of India appointed former Tala police station Officer-in-Charge Abhijit Mondal to a new posting, prompting swift backlash due to his alleged link to the RG Kar case. Mondal, whose name appeared in the transfer list as the new OC of Parnasree police station, had earlier been associated with the case during his tenure at Tala and was subsequently arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The development triggered strong reactions as the investigation against him remains ongoing. Questions were raised over how an officer facing a continuing probe was considered for a key police station posting during the election period, when administrative neutrality is under heightened scrutiny.

Amid mounting criticism, the Election Commission quickly withdrew the order. Officials were informed that Mondal’s name had been included “inadvertently,” and he would not be taking charge. The existing officer at Parnasree police station has been asked to continue in the role, effectively nullifying the earlier directive.

The episode has also sparked broader concerns over the scale and execution of recent administrative reshuffles. On the same day, Officers-in-Charge of 31 police stations under Kolkata Police were transferred, including several key jurisdictions. Critics within police circles have questioned whether adequate experience and due diligence were considered in these appointments, intensifying debate over the Commission’s approach ahead of the elections.