The Election Commission of India (ECI) has swiftly directed the removal of Anurag Gupta from his position as the Acting Director General of Police (DGP) of Jharkhand. The ECI’s directive mandates the Jharkhand government to ensure Gupta hands over his duties to the senior-most available DGP-level officer immediately, with compliance required by 7 PM today. Furthermore, the government must submit a list of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers by 10 AM on October 21, 2024.
This decisive action by the ECI follows a history of complaints and controversies associated with Gupta’s tenure. Notably, during the 2019 General Elections for the Lok Sabha, Gupta faced accusations of bias from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), leading to his removal from the role of Additional Director General (ADG) of the Special Branch and subsequent reassignment to the Resident Commissioner’s Office in Delhi. The ECI had barred his return to Jharkhand during the election period to ensure impartiality.
Gupta’s career has been further marred by earlier allegations of authority misuse during the 2016 Biennial Elections to the Council of States from Jharkhand, where he served as Additional DGP. These controversies have evidently influenced the ECI’s recent decision, underscoring its dedication to upholding a fair and unbiased law enforcement environment, particularly as future elections approach.
The Commission’s stringent action highlights its ongoing commitment to maintaining integrity and impartiality in electoral processes, ensuring that law enforcement officials conduct themselves with the highest standards of professionalism and objectivity.
