EC orders suspension of Hanskhali BDO after violence
Times of India | 1 April 2026
Kolkata: The EC on Tuesday ordered the immediate suspension of Hanskhali BDO Sayantan Bhattacharyya following an incident of violence during a poll training programme in Nadia district, where a teacher, identified as Saikat Chatterjee, sustained head injuries on March 27. An FIR was subsequently lodged at Ranaghat Police Station.
The EC noted that Bhattacharyya did not follow standard protocols or provide proper supervision, indicating a lack of seriousness in discharging election-related responsibilities and undermining efforts to ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process.
The EC directed the state govt to place the officer under suspension with immediate effect and initiate departmental proceedings against him.
The state govt has also been instructed to submit a compliance report to the EC by 11 am on April 1.
The EC noted that BDO Sayantan Bhattacharyya did not follow standard protocols or provide proper supervision