In a significant move, the Election Commission announced on Thursday the transfer of police SSPs from five districts in Punjab, namely Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar Rural, Malerkotla, and Bathinda. This decision, according to the commission, aims to preemptively address any concerns regarding the impartiality or integrity of the administration.
The Election Commission clarified that senior superintendents of police (SSPs) who are not part of the Indian Police Service (IPS) cadre have been reassigned, as these positions are designated for IPS officers. Notably, Bathinda’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Harmanbir Singh, an IPS officer, was also transferred due to his familial ties with Congress MP Jasbir Singh Dimpa of Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha.
The remaining officers were transferred as they hold Punjab Police Service (PPS) ranks.
Fresh directives regarding the deployment of IPS officers in these districts are expected later today.
Highlighting the motive behind these transfers, the Election Commission reiterated that they were undertaken proactively to alleviate any concerns about the fairness or integrity of the electoral process.
In other developments, Himanshu Aggarwal has been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar. This comes after the Election Commission’s directive to transfer Vishesh Sarangal, the former Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner, to Gurdaspur. Sarangal’s relocation was prompted by a complaint alleging his assignment in his hometown, violating the model code of conduct which prohibits officers from serving in their home districts during elections.
Furthermore, Jagdale Nilambari has been assigned as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ropar, while Rakesh Kumar Kaushal has been appointed as the DIG of the border range.
Punjab is slated to go to polls in the seventh phase on June 1st, and these administrative changes underscore the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in the state.