Replace Kolkata police chief: EC tells West Bengal

As Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti's tenure in the post has crossed 3 years

The Election Commission has written to the West Bengal government directing it to replace the city's Commissioner of Police Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti as his tenure has crossed three years.

In a first of its kind intervention, the Commission has sought the names of a three-member-panel from which it will select a person.

According to State's Additional Chief Electoral Officer, N.K. Sahana, an instruction to the effect reached the Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta on Tuesday evening and was immediately sent to Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh.

He added that the names of the panel would be forwarded to the Commission immediately after the government submitted it.

The government has responded to the letter sent by the Election Commission.

“EC's consent needed”

“Any change in the appointment of any official after the announcement of elections in a State requires the consent of the Election Commission as all officers are deemed to be deputed to the Commission,” Mr. Ghosh said.

“However, the appointment order will be issued by the West Bengal government,” the Chief Secretary added.