The Election Commission of India (ECI) has removed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajiv Kumar apparently on account of his political bias ahead of the Assembly elections, news agencies said. He is likely to be replaced by Additional Director General of Police (CID) Somen Mitra.
The development comes a day after a BJP delegation-led by Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Dr Chandan Mitra and others met the ECI demanding his removal in the wake of a botched sting operation conducted by two Special Branch officials on Bengal BJP leader Rahul Sinha.
A delegation led by Congress’ Rajiv Shukla also met the ECI on Wednesday with similar demands.
Sinha was on Monday offered huge amount of money as bribe — by the cops-in-disguise — if he helped the cow-trafficking racket in Murshidabad district bordering Bangladesh. They were promptly caught and handed over to the police.
Even as questions were raised about Kumar’s role regarding the failed sting operation, the BJP alleged that CP was conducting himself as an agent of the Trinamool Congress.
His role as the nodal officer in the investigation of the Saradha chit fund scam was also questioned. The Bengal BJP leaders claimed that crucial evidences in Saradha scam were destroyed and suppressed under Kumar’s nose.
The news of Kumar’s removal came from news agency ANI. In Kolkata however, the offices of both Chief Secretary and Chief Electoral Officer refused to confirm the news of his removal. "We have not received any such information as of now" said a senior official at the State secretariat.
Meanwhile, three names were doing the rounds as Kumar’s successor State Government sources said adding ADG, CID Somen Mitra was more likely to replace Kumar. The other two officers who could replace the outgoing Commissioner are K Harirajan or Dr S Mishra sources added.
"This is an unprecedented situation. Never such a complaint had come against a senior police officer of that level after the Independence," said former Kolkata CP Tushar Taluqdar adding "it was very much evident from Kumar’s conduct that he was working under intense pressure from higher-ups."