Click to play videoNew Delhi: The Election Commission has asked the Punjab government to transfer the state's Director General of Police S S Virk with immediate effect “in the interest of the state”.
The Commission has said that in recent period, concerns have been raised regarding his credibility and perceived neutrality in the forthcoming Assembly polls . The latest complaint was lodged by the members of the Akali Dal.
Accusing DGP Virk of "favouring" the ruling Congress, the Akali Dal had earlier this month alleged that Virk got a Rs 250-crore pay-off in a mega project coming up near Chandigarh in return for favours.
The Election Commission, in its order issued late on Friday night, has also asked the Punjab Chief Secretary to create a panel of three people to replace the DGP.
PTI reports that Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami had rejected the SAD demand while reviewing poll preparedness in Punjab on Janury nine but had warned the official that action would be taken against him if he was not found to be "neutral and fair".
"We have received complaints against the DGP. We have advised the right quarter on the complaints and expect fair play on the part of all officers. Unless some truth is there in the complaints, no action will be taken," Gopalaswami told journalists.
The Election Commission would, however, watch the officer constantly and "he has been advised to be neutral and fair. Otherwise action will be taken against him", the CEC said.
Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has welcomed the decision of the election commission.
"The EC's decision is exemplary. We demand that a case of corruption and disproportionate assets be registered against the DGP," he said.
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