Twitter
Advertisement

EC removes Mamata Banerjee's security in-charge, suspends SP, transfers DM over Nandigram incident

Vivek Sahay was the top in-charge of Banerjee's security when she suffered an accident during her campaign in Nandigram on Wednesday evening.

Latest News
article-main
Mamata Banerjee (Photo: IANS)
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

In wake of an "accidental" injury to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a rally on Wednesday, the Election Commission on Sunday removed her security in-charge Vivek Sahay and also placed him under suspension with immediate effect.

Sahay was the Director (Security), the top in charge of Banerjee's security when she suffered an accident during her campaign in Nandigram Assembly constituency on Wednesday evening, leading to "severe bone injuries" on her left foot and ankle as well as bruises and injuries on her shoulder, forearm and neck.

The Commission took the decision in its meeting earlier in the day.

After discussing reports submitted by West Bengal Chief Secretary and the joint report submitted by Special General Observer Ajay Nayak and Special Police Observer Vivek Dube on the incident, the Commission found that Sahay failed to prevail upon the Chief Minister to not flout security protocols.

Perusing the documents of West Bengal Chief Secretary's report and that of Special Observers based on annexures of reports of the District Magistrate, and the Superintendent of Police of Purba Medinipur and Returning Officer of 210 Nandigram Assembly constituency, and other inputs of the facts and circumstances of the incident, the Commission decided that the charges must be framed against Sahay within a week for grossly failing in discharge of his primary duty as Director Security to protect the Z+ protectee.

"Chief Secretary, in consultation with DGP, is authorised to post suitable Director Security immediately following the extant procedure. Posting order may be communicated to the Commission latest by 1 p.m. on March 15," the EC decided.

Besides, a Committee of Chief Secretary and DGP shall identify within the next three days the other proximate security personnel below Sahay, who failed in their duties to prevent the incident and take suitable action for their failure under intimation to the Commission by 5 p.m. on March 17.

Smita Pandey was posted immediately as District Magistrate and DEO, Purba Medinipur in place of Vibhu Goel, who shall be transferred to a non-election post.

SP Pravin Prakash will also be placed under suspension immediately and charges shall be framed against him for major failure of "bandobast" (arrangements), the EC decided.

Sunil Kumar Yadav has been posted as SP Purba Medinipur.

The commission also decided that Chief Secretary shall ensure the investigation of the Nandigram case is completed and consequential action is taken as per law in next 15 days.

The action was taken as Banerjee, who was on a two-day visit to Nandigram from where she filed her nomination on Wednesday, alleged that she was pushed by a few unidentified people during election campaigning and suffered injuries. The Chief Minister was discharged from the hospital on Friday.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement