EC Ousts Jharkhand’s Acting DGP Over Misconduct

The Election Commission of India has directed the Jharkhand government to immediately remove acting Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta from his post. The decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Gupta over previous complaints and the commission’s actions during past elections. The commission has also asked the state to provide a compliance report by 7 PM. Until a new appointment is made, the senior-most officer at the DIG level will oversee the duties of the acting DGP. The state government has been instructed to recommend senior IPS officers for the position by 10 AM on October 21.

Gupta was previously accused of bias towards a particular political party during the 2019 general elections, following a complaint by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. As a result, he was relieved from his role as Additional Director General of Police (Special Branch) and reassigned to the Resident Commissioner’s office in Delhi, with restrictions on returning to Jharkhand until the election concluded.

Earlier, during the 2016 Rajya Sabha elections, allegations of misconduct led to an Election Commission inquiry into Gupta’s actions while serving as Additional DGP. Based on the inquiry’s findings, a chargesheet was filed, and a departmental investigation was initiated. Additionally, in March 2018, a case was registered against him for election bribery and undue influence under various sections of the Indian Penal Code at Jagannathpur police station.

In 2021, the Jharkhand government granted approval for an investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, further intensifying scrutiny of Gupta’s actions.