Unsatisfied with the working of Alwar collector Pukhraj Sain and three superintendents of police (SPs) – Karan Sharma of Bhiwadi. Khairthal-Tijara, Sudhir Choudhary of Hanumangarh and Rajesh Kumar Meena of Churu – the state government has relieved these officers with immediate effect.
The state government under the directions of election commission has directed Pukhraj Sain to handover charge to district's deputy election officer and additional district magistrate Uttam Singh Shekhawat.
Similarly all the three SPs have been asked to handover their charges to their respective additional superintendent of police (headquarter).
The immediate cause of removal of these officers is said to be recovery of illicit liquor at Gujarat border. Officers believe that liquor to Gujarat passes through these districts.
“Liquor transportation without knowledge of administration is a serious lapse. Election Commission is in mood of zero tolerance towards any administrative lapse,” said a senior officer.
According to sources, the Chief Election Commissoner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on his three-day visit to Rajasthan had shown his dissent towards the working and preparedness of these officers.
“These officers are likely to be replaced with other officers soon with the consent of CEC. Department of personnel will send 2-3 names of prospective officers to CEC to select and approve,” said a senior official.
The Election Commission has also removed 8 more collectors – two each from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and four from Telangana. The EC has also relieved 10 SPs, three commissioners of police from Telangana, three SPs from Chhattisgarh and two from Madhya Pradesh for laxity in duty.
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