Sheikh Ansar Ahmed, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Malda, has been served a show-cause notice for gross negligence in maintaining law and order during the Kaliachak incident on April 1.

The administration alleges that despite clear instructions to monitor the sensitive situation, the ADM failed to update higher authorities for a crucial five-hour window. Viewed as a violation of the All India Services Rules 1968, he has been given 7 days to respond, failing which unilateral disciplinary action will be initiated.

Simultaneously, the state poll body has appointed senior IAS officer Bibhu Goel as the Additional Chief Electoral Officer. His primary role will be to streamline coordination between the Appeal Tribunals, High Court, and the Election Commission. These swift moves indicate that the ECI is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a transparent and accountable election process in West Bengal.