EC Acts on Complaints Ahead of Bypoll
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate suspension of Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Ravjot Kaur Grewal. The directive comes after the ECI reviewed complaints, primarily from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), alleging the misuse of police machinery in the district ahead of the upcoming by-election. The ECI’s swift action is aimed at ensuring a level playing field and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Allegations of Misuse of Police Force
The main trigger for the suspension was the complaint that SSP Grewal was allegedly instrumental in registering ‘false and politically motivated FIRs’ against opposition party leaders and workers. The SAD, in its representation to the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, claimed that the police force was being pressured by the ruling party to obstruct their election campaign and suppress political dissent through intimidation tactics like serving notices and filing spurious cases. The suspension emphasizes the ECI’s zero-tolerance policy against administrative interference in elections.
New Officer Takes Charge
Following the suspension order, the Election Commission has directed the Punjab government to immediately relieve Dr. Grewal of her duties and appoint a new officer to the post. The EC has instructed that the replacement officer must be a competent and impartial figure to oversee the sensitive law and order situation, particularly along the border district, until the conclusion of the by-election.
