Tarn Taran SSP Suspended by Election Commission Following Akali Dal Complaint
Chandigarh, November 8, 2025 – The Election Commission of India (EC) has suspended Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Dr. Ravjot Kaur Grewal, with immediate effect, just three days before the crucial assembly by-election scheduled for November 11. The decision follows a formal complaint lodged by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), alleging misuse of police force and targeting of Akali workers by the SSP.
SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal had accused Dr. Grewal of acting as a "de facto" in-charge for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the ruling party in Punjab, and of registering false cases against Akali sarpanches and workers to intimidate them and prevent their participation in poll activities. Badal alleged that the SSP was misusing the police to lodge "false FIRs" against Akali leaders and workers to obstruct their campaigning for the upcoming bypoll. He welcomed the EC's move, stating that it thwarted AAP's "gambit to influence the bypoll by misusing the police force".
In response to the suspension, the EC has appointed IPS officer Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, who is currently the Amritsar Police Commissioner, to take additional charge as the SSP of Tarn Taran. The EC has also sought a panel of three officers for the permanent appointment to the post.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has questioned the timing and basis of the suspension, with AAP leader Baltej Pannu alleging that the EC was acting at the behest of the BJP and that the action was taken without any "concrete complaint". However, the Congress party has welcomed the decision, echoing concerns about ensuring fair elections.
The SAD's legal advisor, Advocate Arshdeep Singh Khler, submitted the complaint to the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer and the ECI in Delhi. The complaint alleged that several Akali party members, including local councillors and sarpanches, were unlawfully detained and threatened with false cases for refusing to support AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu.
Dr. Grewal had assumed the charge as Tarn Taran SSP in September. The suspension comes at a sensitive time, with the Tarn Taran assembly by-election just days away. The bypoll is seen as a crucial test for the ruling AAP government and other political parties in the state. The Election Commission's action underscores its commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
