West Bengal Chief Secretary Orders Strict Document Lockdown Amidst Suspected Bureaucratic Purge

In a move that has sparked significant political speculation, West Bengal Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala has issued a rigorous mandate to safeguard all official records. The directive, effective May 4, 2026, strictly prohibits the unauthorized removal, alteration, or copying of departmental files. Emphasizing personal accountability, Nariala has tasked departmental secretaries and office heads with ensuring total compliance, warning of severe consequences for any breaches. This stringent measure comes on the heels of the BJP's decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, which ended the 15-year administration of the Trinamool Congress. Internal observers suggest the order may be a precursor to a widespread purge aimed at dismantling a suspected nexus of middlemen that allegedly thrived under the previous government. By restricting file movements and demanding meticulous record-keeping, the administration appears to be securing evidence for potential corruption investigations.