Mamata Banerjee fumes over transfer of top cops, writes to EC

Kolkata: A day after the Election Commission (EC) removed two of her favourite IPS officers — Kolkata  police commissioner Anuj Sharma and Bidhannagar commissioners Gyanwant Singh — and transferred two SP rank officers, Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee crossed sword with the EC on Saturday.

Shooting off a strong protest letter to the EC, she termed the move as “undemocratic and biased”. She also alleged that the move was taken without consulting her government.

Ms Banerjee also pointed out that EC order was followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s observation of poor law and order situation in the state. She appealed the EC to review its decision.

Significantly, Mr Sharma and Mr Singh were seen at the Trinamul chief’s dharna in the city in February.

Ms Banerjee alleged, “We have every reason to believe that the decision of the commission is at the behest of the ruling party at the Centre, i.e. BJP. Few days ago, it was in the press statements of BJP leaders, who commented that senior officers of the state police administration would soon be replaced by the EC.”

The chief minister added, “Two officers named by EC as commissioners were given the duty of police observers in other states. These officers do not have adequate knowledge of the area and the people. Putting them in charge of these crucial areas can significantly jeopardise managing these areas effectively. Should there be any deterioration in the law and order situation of the state, would the commission take responsibility?”

She said, “Law and order is a state subject. Yet, no consultation has been made with the state government. The practice of seeking a panel of names of officers has not beenfollowed. Such a step could have given the state government an opportunity to send a panel of officers who have desired experience of the area, which could have helped themto discharge their functions effectively.”

Ms Banerjee complained, “By not following the established practice and not seeking a panel of officers from the state government, the action of the ECI is prima facie undemocratic and biased and suffers from principles of natural justice. I would, therefore, urge the commission to review its decision and would also request it to cause an inquiry as to how and under whose guidance the decision of transfer of the officers has been taken.”