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Journalism of Courage
The INDIA bloc in Jharkhand held a press conference Friday opposing the EC’s orders to remove Deoghar SP Ajit Peter Dungdung and Ranchi Deputy Commi-ssioner Manjunath Bhajantri.
“On 29 October 2024, your office suddenly issued an order for the transfer of Ajit Peter Dungdung, SP Deoghar, without any reason, which seems very shocking and harsh. Even before this, an order was passed to transfer Manjunath Bhajantri, an officer posted as Deputy Commi-ssioner in Ranchi, without giving any reason… Such an order on the tribal and Dalit officials posted in the state indirectly protects the administrative support of a particular political party in the elections,” said the letter. Such orders “seem to be aimed at destabilising the administrative system” during elections, the letter said. “We jointly register our displeasure before you,” it said.
In 2021, the EC had ordered disciplinary action against Manjunath Bhajantri based on the complaint of Godda MP Nishikant Dubey. The poll panel’s order was challenged in the High Court, which gave relief to the officer. The EC then appealed before a division bench in the High Court which reversed the single bench order.
The EC then wrote to Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary reiterating its position to initiate disciplinary proceedings “for major penalty” against Bhajantri.
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