ECI seeks explanation from Punjab police chief over FIRs linked to Tarn Taran bypoll

The Election Commission of India has directed Punjab’s Director General of Police to appear before the poll authority on November 25 after a series of police cases were filed against workers of the Shiromani Akali Dal during the Tarn Taran by-election campaign. Officials say the order was issued after the commission reviewed a detailed report submitted by the state police on November 13, one day before results were announced.

According to information provided to the commission, nine FIRs were registered in separate police districts over the course of the campaign. The cases were lodged in Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Moga and Batala, raising concerns within the ECI about what it described as a pattern of simultaneous action across multiple jurisdictions.

The bypoll, held earlier this month, had drawn heightened scrutiny after competing political parties alleged pressure tactics and misuse of law enforcement. While the ECI has not commented on the merits of the FIRs, the summons indicates the commission is seeking further clarity on the circumstances under which the complaints were filed.

The outcome of the by-election, which carries political significance for border-area constituencies, has already prompted calls from several parties for stronger safeguards around the conduct of future polls in Punjab.