EC Suspends 7 Bengal Officials Over SIR Lapses After State Drags Feet On Accountability

Last Updated:February 16, 2026, 08:56 IST

Sources said since August, the Election Commission had repeatedly urged the Bengal administration to act against the officials concerned but no concrete steps were taken

Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended seven officials in West Bengal with immediate effect. Invoking its powers under Section 13CC of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the commission cited serious misconduct, dereliction of duty, and misuse of statutory powers as grounds for the action.

The commission has taken punitive action primarily because documents other than those prescribed under the SIR were uploaded in the process. In some cases, it was also because the said officer shared password with a third party, say sources.

According to the EC, the suspension is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and strict compliance during the SIR exercise. The commission has directed the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to immediately initiate disciplinary proceedings against the suspended officials through their respective cadre-controlling authorities. The state administration has also been asked to keep the commission informed about the progress of these proceedings.

Sources within the commission claim that since August, the ECI had repeatedly urged the West Bengal administration to take action against the officials concerned. However, no concrete steps were reportedly taken by the state authorities, prompting the commission to intervene directly. Last week, the EC also summoned the Chief Secretary and directed her to comply with its orders by February 17. Officials describe the move as one of the most stringent steps taken so far in the SIR process.

The suspended officials include Dr Sefaur Rahaman (AERO, 56-Samserganj), Nitish Das (AERO, 55-Farakka), Dalia Ray Choudhury (AERO, 16-Maynaguri), Sk. Murshid Alam (AERO, 57-Suti), Satyajit Das and Joydeep Kundu (both AEROs, 139-Canning Purbo), and Debashis Biswas (AERO, 229-Debra).

Sources indicate that the commission’s action sends a clear message to the state bureaucracy that any deviation from electoral norms or negligence in duty will invite strict consequences. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari had recently urged the EC not to rely solely on the state administration and to take independent action where necessary.

The latest move underscores the commission’s intent to assert its authority and maintain the integrity of the electoral process in the state.

News elections EC Suspends 7 Bengal Officials Over SIR Lapses After State Drags Feet On Accountability

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