New Delhi/Chandigarh, November 18, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has summoned Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav to appear before the commission on November 25, seeking a detailed explanation regarding the registration of multiple FIRs against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) workers during the recently concluded Tarn Taran by-election.
The summons follow the commission’s review of a report submitted by the DGP on November 13, just a day before the bypoll results were announced. According to ECI sources, the inquiry focuses on the alleged “coordinated manner” in which nine FIRs were filed across Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Moga, and Batala during the election campaign period.
Suspension of Tarn Taran SSP Preceded the Summons
Earlier, the poll body had acted on complaints received from various quarters and suspended IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal, who was serving as the SSP of Tarn Taran during the bypoll campaign. The suspension, ordered on November 8, was based on allegations that police action had not been impartial while the Model Code of Conduct was in force.
Conflicting Reports Submitted to the ECI
Punjab Police, through the DGP, submitted a confidential sealed report prepared by ADGP Ram Singh, reportedly defending the actions taken by the former SSP. In contrast, another report by Election Observer Shyni S, an IPS officer from the Odisha cadre, raised concerns regarding the timing, coordination, and justification of the FIRs and subsequent arrests.
According to the observer’s findings, the FIRs seemingly lacked sufficient time gaps between registration and arrest to justify swift police action, prompting questions about the neutrality of law enforcement during the election period.
Background of FIRs and Arrests
Of the nine FIRs registered, four SAD workers were arrested, while six others were named in separate cases. The Shiromani Akali Dal formally raised these concerns before the ECI, accusing the administration of politically motivated targeting during the Tarn Taran bypolls.
The by-election, held on November 11, saw Harmeet Singh Sandhu, the candidate of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), emerge victorious. The results were declared on November 14.
CEO Punjab Asked to Review and Report
Initially, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab had sought a response from the DIG Ferozepur Range, who cleared the suspended SSP of wrongdoing, stating that the arrests were part of ongoing investigations.
However, following fresh concerns, the ECI directed CEO Sibin C to revisit the matter and escalate it to the DGP for immediate action. In its communication, the commission instructed the DGP to review all allegedly wrongful FIRs and arrests through a senior officer not below the rank of ADGP and submit a compliance report within 36 hours.
The upcoming appearance of DGP Gaurav Yadav before the Election Commission is expected to shed further light on the events and may determine whether additional action will be taken against those involved.
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