The Commission has said that in recent period substantial concerns have been raised regarding Virk's credibility and perceived neutrality in the forthcoming Assembly polls in the state, an EC spokesman said.

The Commission, in its order issued late on Friday night, directed the Chief Secretary to forward three names by this evening so that it can choose a replacement for Virk.

Accusing DGP Virk of "favouring" the ruling Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal had asked the EC to transfer him ahead of the February 13 Assembly polls.

Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami had rejected the SAD demand while reviewing poll preparedness in Punjab on January 9 but had warned the official that action would be taken against him if he was not found to be "neutral and fair."

"We have received complaints against the DGP. We have advised the right quarter on the complaints and expect fair play on the part of all officers. Unless some truth is there in the complaints, no action will be taken," he told a news conference in Chandigarh.

The Election Commission would, however, watch the officer constantly and "he has been advised to be neutral and fair.

"Otherwise action will be taken against him", the CEC had said.