Election Commission orders transfer of top officials to ensure free and fair polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Soon after the election announcement, the Election Commission has ordered the transfer of several top officials in the state, following a model similar to West Bengal. Those transferred include the Alappuzha District Collector and the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner, both of whom were recently appointed by the state government. The Commission issued the order after reviewing election preparations. An earlier transfer order released in the morning was revised within hours, and a fresh order was issued.

The Commission had received information raising doubts about the neutrality of some officials appointed by the government. The order, sent by Commission Secretary Pawan Diwan to Chief Secretary A Jayathilak, directed the transferred officials to take charge immediately and report by 11 am.

G Jayadev, who was appointed as Kozhikode City Police Commissioner on January 16, was transferred. Initially, T Narayanan, DIG of Thrissur Range, was appointed in his place. Thomson Jose was named as the new DIG of Thrissur Range. However, this order was withdrawn within hours. Merin Joseph, who was serving as AIG (Policy) at the Police Headquarters, was later appointed as Kozhikode City Police Commissioner. T Narayanan was allowed to continue as DIG of Thrissur Range. This made the transfer of Thomson Jose invalid.

Alex Varghese, who had been serving as Alappuzha District Collector since March 2024, was also transferred. K Imbasekhar was appointed in his place. The state government had earlier not transferred Alex Varghese, stating that he had not completed two years in the post. The Commission said the transfers were made to ensure free and fair elections.

Returning Officer in Dharmadom also transferred
The Returning Officer in Dharmadom, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is contesting, was transferred. KAS officer Sachin Krishna has been appointed to the post. He is also serving as the Kannur District Registrar General.

The Returning Officer in Taliparamba, where P K Shyamala is contesting, was also transferred. S Vandana, another KAS officer, has been appointed here. She is also serving as RDO of Taliparamba and Returning Officer of Irikkur constituency. The Commission has directed that the transferred officials should not be given any other election duty until the election process is completed.