KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended three jawans on charges of allegedly playing carrom inside a local office of the ruling Trinamool Congress in Suri of Birbhum district, West Bengal, in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The action was taken on Sunday, barely three days after the ECI took similar action against seven other jawans posted in Murshidabad district on March 26.
The Commission acted after a video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering controversy ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.
The video purportedly showed three jawans in paramilitary uniform inside a Trinamool Congress party office. One was seen sitting on a chair, another standing beside a carrom board, while a third was allegedly playing carrom with local party leaders and workers inside the office.
TNIE could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
Opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI(M), raised concerns over the incident, questioning whether free and fair elections could be ensured. BJP leaders asked how the jawans entered a political party office despite the MCC being in force following the announcement of poll dates.
West Bengal will go to polls on April 23 and 29. The ECI has deployed around 480 companies of central paramilitary forces across districts and Kolkata for area domination and confidence-building measures among voters.
Considering the seriousness of the issue, the Commission initiated an inquiry and suspended the three jawans.
“The Commission has taken swift action after learning about the matter. Such prompt and strict measures can sensitise jawans and prevent unethical practices during the enforcement of the MCC. The Trinamool Congress has traditionally tried to mislead central forces so that they remain inactive on polling days. This time, it will be difficult for the ruling party,” said Bimalshankar Nanda, BJP spokesperson.
A few days earlier, the Commission had taken action against jawans in Murshidabad for allegedly attending an Iftar gathering. Transfer orders were issued for all seven personnel, relocating them out of the state.
According to Commission sources, three of the seven jawans were placed in paramilitary custody for seven days, while two others were issued warnings. An investigation has been initiated against the remaining two.
There were allegations that these jawans attended the Iftar gathering despite clear instructions from the Commission prohibiting central forces from accepting invitations or visiting private residences during election duty.
In meetings with central agencies held from time to time, the poll body has issued strict directives emphasising neutrality and barring central forces from participating in any social or private events.
State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal had also stated that central forces must not accept any favours. “If the Commission finds that they have violated our orders, an investigation will be initiated. In the past, central forces have faced disciplinary action for accepting favours,” he had said.