In a recent development, IPS officer Vivek Sahay has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal. This decision came swiftly after the Election Commission removed Rajeev Kumar from the post. The Election Commission’s move followed its announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates, aiming to ensure fairness and integrity in the electoral process.
The Chief Secretary of West Bengal issued a notice stating the appointment of Vivek Sahay as the Director General and Inspector of Police, West Bengal, with immediate effect. This appointment is made in the interest of public service, as stated in the notice. Vivek Sahay, a 1988 batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, brings with him a wealth of experience in law enforcement.
Vivek Sahay has previously held important positions within the police force, including Director General (DG), Provisioning, and Director General of Home Guards. Notably, he was also responsible for the security of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, in March 2021, he faced suspension by the Election Commission following an attack on the CM that resulted in severe leg injuries. Despite this setback, he was later reinstated to the post of Director of Security.
In addition to the change in West Bengal’s DGP, the Election Commission has ordered large-scale transfers of bureaucrats across several states. Home secretaries of six states – Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand – have been removed from their positions. Furthermore, Brihanmumbai municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, along with additional commissioners and deputy commissioners, has also faced removal. The secretaries of the general administrative departments in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have been included in these transfers.
The Election Commission’s actions are part of its efforts to maintain a level playing field and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. With the appointment of Vivek Sahay as the new DGP of West Bengal and the widespread bureaucratic transfers, the commission aims to ensure fair and impartial governance during the upcoming elections.
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