India, Feb. 16 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended seven West Bengal government officers deputed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll as additional electoral registration officers (AEROs) for alleged misconduct, dereliction of duty, and misuse of statutory powers, people aware of the matter said.

It has directed the West Bengal chief secretary, Nandini Chakravorty, to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the seven immediately.

"Using its powers under section 13CC of the RP [Representation Of The People] Act, 1950, the ECI has placed under suspension seven officials in West Bengal with immediate effect," said an ECI official.

On Friday, chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the ...