'Zero tolerance': ECI removes 7 CAPF personnel from Bengal poll duty for attending Iftar party

The incident took place in early March in the Samserganj area of Murshidabad district, a sensitive region that had witnessed communal unrest in April 2025.

Disciplinary action

The Election Commission of India imposed varying levels of punishment on the personnel involved.

Three individuals were placed in seven-day paramilitary jail custody, while two others received formal warnings.

Departmental proceedings have been initiated against the remaining two personnel, with further action expected following a detailed inquiry.

Officials reiterated that personnel on election duty are strictly prohibited from accepting invitations, gifts or any form of hospitality, as such actions can compromise neutrality during polls.

Strict monitoring measures introduced

The Election Commission has intensified oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with election protocols.

Authorities have introduced real-time GPS tracking of CAPF vehicles, mandatory daily reporting of movements and interactions, and random inspections of personnel activities.

The Samserganj incident has also been incorporated into pre-deployment training programmes, with commandants using it as a case study to emphasise adherence to rules.

Concerns over neutrality during polls

The development comes amid recurring allegations by opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, regarding undue influence on security personnel during elections.

Such concerns have heightened scrutiny in poll-bound West Bengal, where maintaining impartiality of deployed forces remains critical to ensuring free and fair elections.

Message of 'zero tolerance'

Officials indicated that the stricter disciplinary action was intended to set a clear precedent.

The Election Commission has emphasised that there will be no exceptions when it comes to enforcing the code of conduct for personnel engaged in election duties.