In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission has appointed IPS officer Vivek Sahay as the next Director General of Police (DGP) for West Bengal. This decision followed the removal of the incumbent DGP by the Election Commission earlier today, as part of its efforts to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
Background and previous role
Vivek Sahay, a seasoned IPS officer from the 1988 batch, previously held the positions of Director General and Commandant General of Home Guards.
Rajeev Kumar's reassignment
Rajeev Kumar, who assumed the role of DGP last December, has been reassigned to the information and technology department, a role not related to election responsibilities. The decision is viewed as an interim measure by sources.
Reasons behind the transfer
The transfer of Rajeev Kumar follows his previous exclusion from active election management duties during the 2016 assembly elections and the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Consequently, the EC instructed the state government to reassign Kumar to a non-election-related position and appoint a junior officer as the temporary DGP.
Appointment process
In response to the EC's directive, the state government submitted a panel of three officers for consideration: Vivek Sahay, Sanjay Mukherjee, and Rajesh Kumar.
Past controversy
Notably, Vivek Sahay faced suspension by the EC in March 2021 while serving as the director of security. This action followed an incident during the 2021 state assembly elections in Nandigram, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained injuries. The incident occurred when she was greeting supporters from her vehicle's footboard, resulting in injuries to her left foot.
Implications and future developments
Sahay's appointment as the new DGP comes amid ongoing political developments and preparations for the upcoming elections in the state. The swift action by the state government reflects its commitment to adhere to the EC's directives and maintain law and order ahead of the elections.
