NEW DELHI, 21 January 2007 — The Election Commission has ordered immediate transfer of the police chief of the northern Punjab state, S.S. Virk, “in the interest” of free and fair assembly elections there.
The commission said that serious concerns had been raised recently, putting in doubt Virk’s neutrality in the forthcoming assembly elections in the state.
In its order, the commission directed the state chief secretary to suggest three names by today so that it can choose a replacement for Virk.
Accusing Virk of “favoring” the ruling Congress party, the Shiromani Akali Dal had asked the commission to transfer him ahead of the Feb. 13 election.
Chief Election Commissioner N. Gopalaswami rejected the Akali Dal demand on Jan. 9 while reviewing poll preparedness in Punjab, but had warned the official that action would be taken against him if he was not found “neutral and fair.”
