Chandigarh, Nov. 10 -- In a strongly worded letter, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has censured the Punjab Police over alleged 'lapses in impartial conduct' during the model code of conduct (MCC) ahead of the Tarn Taran assembly bypoll. The EC on Saturday had directed the suspension of Tarn Taran senior superintendent of police (SSP) Dr Ravjot Kaur Grewal with immediate effect. Following the commission's directions, Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav has deputed special DGP (technical services) Ram Singh to carry out a review and submit a compliance report to the Punjab chief election officer (CEO) within 36 hours (i.e., by November 10).

Punjab CEO, in a letter dated November 8 to the DGP, conveyed ECI's concern...