Kolkata, March 27 In a first this election season in West Bengal, the Election Commission on Friday ordered the immediate suspension of Basanti Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Avijit Paul for allegedly failing to handle clashes between BJP and TMC on March 26, according to a notice issued by the poll panel.
The poll panel described this as "serious negligence and dereliction of duty" on the part of the officer.
Several people, including police personnel, were injured in the clash at Basanti Bazar under the Baruipur Police District.
"It has been observed that the officer failed to make adequate police arrangements despite having prior information regarding the public programme of two political parties," the notice said.
"Furthermore, the Central Armed Police Force was available for the past few days. Despite this, he did not requisition CAPF for maintaining law and order," the notice added, justifying the EC's action.
Directing departmental proceedings against Paul, the poll body also ordered his replacement and sought a compliance report, it said.