West Bengal Assistant System Manager Arun Gorain Suspended for Misconduct in Election Process

Arun Gorain, Assistant System Manager (ASM) of the Kakdwip Sub-Division in West Bengal, has been suspended following allegations of misconduct during the election process. The action was taken based on a report submitted by the District Magistrate and District Election Officer of South 24 Parganas.

According to the report, Gorain unlawfully added his mobile number to the login credentials of Swapankumar Haldar, Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) of the 131-Kakdwip Assembly Constituency, and used it to process several applications.

A show-cause notice was issued to Mr. Gorain by the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of Kakdwip on March 17, 2025. In his reply dated March 24, 2025, Gorain acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stated that corrective measures had been initiated to prevent recurrence, and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.

However, by inserting his own mobile number into another officer’s login without authorization and using the OTP received to act on Forms 6, 7, and 8, his actions were deemed fraudulent and indicative of dishonest intent. These acts constituted not only gross negligence in official duties but also a violation of Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, concerning the preparation of electoral rolls.

Accordingly, under Rule 7(1)(a) of Part IV of the West Bengal Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1971, Mr. Gorain has been suspended with immediate effect. A major disciplinary proceeding has been proposed against him. The next course of action will follow upon receiving the charge sheet, witness statements, and relevant documents from the District Election Officer and District Magistrate, South 24 Parganas.

The Election Commission of India has also stated that Mr. Gorain will receive subsistence allowance as per service rules during the suspension period.