NEW DELHI: Taking a strict view of the violence that claimed the life of a local political worker in Bihar’s Mokama constituency, the Election Commission of India on Friday ordered the removal of three key administrative and police officers, disciplinary proceedings against them, and the suspension of one.
In a formal communication to the Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar, the Commission approved the replacement of Barh Sub-Divisional Officer Chandan Kumar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Barh-1 Rakesh Kumar, and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Barh-2 Abhishek Singh. It appointed Ashish Kumar, Anand Kumar Singh, and Ayush Shrivastava in their place.
The Election Commission further instructed the state government to initiate disciplinary action against all three officers and suspend Abhishek Singh with immediate effect, pending further investigation into their role and handling of the situation in Mokama. The order directed the state to submit a compliance report by noon on 2 November.
The move follows the killing of Dularchand Yadav, a 75-year-old supporter with criminal past of the Jan Suraaj Party, who was shot dead during a campaign clash in Mokama on Thursday. The incident has sparked political outrage and raised questions about the preparedness of the local administration in ensuring a peaceful poll atmosphere.
Sources indicated to The Sunday Guardian on Friday that the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar-led Commission had resolved to take strict action against field officers in Mokama after receiving preliminary feedback from election observers and law enforcement reports suggesting lapses in supervision. These lapses included candidates and one of the accused in the murder case, JDU candidate Anant Singh, traveling in a carcade of 40 vehicles.
The Commission has also directed the Bihar Police to intensify security measures, launch a statewide arms-deposit drive, and ensure that all sensitive constituencies are placed under close watch.
It has asked Vikram Singh, Superintendent of Police (Rural), Patna, to temporarily oversee election-related duties in Barh-1 until a substitute officer assumes charge.
The reshuffle marks one of the most decisive interventions by the Election Commission in Bihar’s ongoing assembly election and is being seen as a sign of its intent to maintain control and restore confidence in the administration’s neutrality ahead of polling in Mokama.
