EC suspends 3 Executive Magistrates from Bhabanipur duty over alleged negligence ahead of Bengal polls

The Election Commission has taken strict disciplinary action in the Bhabanipur assembly constituency by suspending three executive magistrates deployed in the flying squad team. The decision comes just days before the first phase of voting in West Bengal, as the poll authority intensifies monitoring to ensure free and fair elections.

According to official sources, the three officials were assigned night duty in Bhabanipur as part of the flying squad team responsible for expenditure monitoring and enforcement of election rules. During their duty hours, they were allegedly found sitting near Bhabanipur police station instead of conducting field surveillance, raising concerns over negligence.

An expenditure observer conducted a surprise inspection and reportedly found the officials engaged in conversation rather than performing patrol duties. The observer’s report was escalated to the Election Commission, following which duty records were reviewed, further strengthening the allegations of dereliction of duty.

Based on the findings, the Commission ordered immediate suspension of the three executive magistrates and directed initiation of departmental proceedings. Authorities have also been instructed to submit compliance reports within the deadline, with the Commission stressing strict adherence to election duty protocols.

The development has drawn attention in the politically sensitive Bhabanipur constituency, which remains under close watch ahead of polling. The Election Commission has reiterated that all officials deployed for election duty must maintain accountability and active field presence to ensure a fair electoral process.