The Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended a West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) official for allegedly supporting and campaigning for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the poll-bound state. In a separate case, following the ECI’s orders, the police arrested a TMC leader for allegedly threatening voters.

The official suspended was the joint block development officer (BDO) of Khandoghosh in East Bardhaman district. A letter issued by Sujeet Kumar Misra, ECI Secretary, stated: “I am directed to refer to letter no. 4350-Home(Elec), dated 02.04.2026 of the Chief Electoral Officer on the subject cited above recommending suspension and initiation of disciplinary action against Smt. Jyotsna Khatun, Jt. BDO, Khandaghosh Development Block (Notified as ARO -259-Khandaghosh AC).”

The letter further stated that the Commission has “agreed to the proposal” and directed that Khatun be suspended and disciplinary action be initiated against her immediately. It directed that a compliance report be sent by 11 am on April 4. “Further, you are requested to furnish a proposal to fill up the resultant vacant post of Jt. BDO, Khandaghosh Development Block (Notified as ARO -259-Khandaghosh AC) to the Commission, urgently,” the letter added.

Meanwhile, in Murshidabad district, the police arrested Berhampore TMC leader Raju Mondol after a video surfaced purportedly showing him going door to door, threatening voters with consequences if they did not support the TMC.

The police arrested Mondol. Later, Arindam Niyogi, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, informed the media that this was the “outcome of ‘zero tolerance’ by the Commission.”

Earlier, in the run-up to the Assembly elections, the Election Commission had transferred hundreds of officials, including the chief secretary and home secretary, and the director general of police.

Assembly elections will be held in two phases in West Bengal, on April 23 and April 29. The results will be announced on May 4.