Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar (Right) had taken charge only in January this year. (File Photo)
Highlights
- Poll panel got complaints against him by BJP, Congress and the Left
- Opposition says he wasn't impartial about handling complaints against TMC
- Somen Mitra, Additional Director General of CID, to take over from Kumar
The Election Commission of India has removed the Kolkata Police Commissioner, Mr Rajeev Kumar, from his post in the middle of the West Bengal elections and even named his replacement.
In the six-phase polls spread over seven days that began on April 4, Kolkata will vote on three days - April 21, 25 and 30.
A 1989 IPS officer, Mr Rajeev Kumar could be the shortest service Commissioner of Kolkata Police. He had taken over the post on January 29 this year.
His removal comes after Opposition parties, BJP, Congress and Left, complained to the Election Commission against him. They claimed he was not impartial about handling their complaints against ruling Trinamool.
The BJP had also complained about an alleged sting operation against one of its leaders which it claimed was attempted under orders of the Kolkata Police Commissioner.
On March 28, two men had come to the BJP office in Kolkata and allegedly offered party secretary Rahul Sinha money for help to smuggle cows to Bangladesh. Mr Sinha had dragged the two to the local police station where it was discovered they were policemen themselves of the Special Branch.
The two policemen were immediately suspended but not arrested. Mr Sinha claimed the operation could not have been conducted without Mr Mr Kumar's knowledge.
On 30 March, there were strong rumours that Mr Kumar would be removed by the Election Commission the next day. But the flyover collapse on March 31 may have put that decision on the back burner till today.
Opposition parties have welcomed Mr Kumar's removal.
The Trinamool has not commented on the matter till reports last came in.
Somen Mitra, additional director general of the Criminal Investigation Department, will take over as Kolkata Police Commissioner tomorrow.