Kolkata Police suspended a constable from the Kolkata Police Reserve Force for reportedly influencing voters during the postal ballot. The suspension notice was issued by the Joint Commissioner of Kolkata Police. The constable, identified as Masood Karim, will be on suspension until the voting period concludes.
Masood Karim, the constable in question, will receive half of his salary while under suspension. The allegations against him are deemed severe by informed sources. He was previously stationed in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in Kolkata but was transferred to the Haldia Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office due to an Election Commission reshuffle before the Assembly election.
Voting by postal ballot commenced in the state on April 13. Allegations suggest that Masood Karim influenced voters during the postal ballot voting at the Haldia Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office, a grave offense. Consequently, Kolkata Police opted to suspend him.
The Election Commission is actively working to ensure a smooth and peaceful conduct of the Assembly polls in West Bengal. Various measures, including the deployment of central forces and increased surveillance, have been implemented to guarantee fair polling. Despite these efforts, immediate action was taken by the Kolkata Police Headquarters following allegations against a police constable for voter influence.
Constable Masood Karim will remain suspended until the end of the voting period, receiving half his salary as per regulations. The polling in 294 Assembly constituencies of West Bengal will occur in two phases on April 23 and 29, with Haldia and Bhabanipur voting in the first and second phases, respectively. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.
