In view of the recent political violence in Jirania where AICC Tripura in-charge Dr. Ajay Kumar received injuries followed by a BJP-Congress clash, the Election Commission of India (ECI) asked the Chief Secretary and DGP of Tripura to suspend and remove Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Jirania and remove Officer-in-Charge (OCs) of Jirania and Ranir Bazar police stations for ‘not taking action in time’.
The Chief Secretary and the DGP have also been directed to assess the threat perception to the leaders of various political parties in the state and provide security as per threat perception without further delay.
“Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Tripura were asked to explain as to why the situation escalated despite a sufficient number of CAPF personnel deployed in the State. The Commission conveyed its displeasure in no uncertain and strongest terms on the violent incident despite the commission’s strict directions during visit to the state and thereafter,” the ECI said.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed three Special Observers to Tripura for strengthening the security measures, an official communication said on Friday.
The three Special Observers are- Yogendra Tripathy, Vivek Johri and B. Murali Kumar.
Tripathy is an illustrious IAS officer retired as Secretary to Government of India having handled multifarious assignments both in the Centre and the State.
Johri, is an acclaimed IPS officer having served as DGP of Madhya Pradesh and extensive experience of handling central agencies as well as profound knowledge of the northeast and international security concerns.
B. Murali Kumar, an IRS officer of 1983 batch, performed duties as special Observer in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat assembly elections- 2022 and West Bengal assembly polls in 2021. Seizure of Rs. 800 crore was done in the last Gujarat assembly elections.
“Three Special Observers have been appointed by the Commission. They have been asked to proceed to the State immediately to take stock of the situation, ensure proper deployment of CAPF, intensify enforcement measures and report back to the Commission,” the ECI statement read.
