The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday transferred four senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in West Bengal, including the state’s Director General of Police and the Commissioner of Kolkata Police, as part of preparations for the upcoming state elections.
The administrative reshuffle comes shortly after the poll body announced a two-phase election schedule in West Bengal, with voting set for April 23 and April 29.
New Police Leadership Announced
According to officials, Siddh Nath Gupta, a 1992-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal. He replaces Peeyush Pandey.
Meanwhile, Ajay Kumar Nand has been named the new Commissioner of Kolkata Police, replacing Supratim Sarkar.
The Election Commission said the move is part of broader efforts to ensure peaceful and violence-free elections in the state.
Additional Transfers in Police Administration
The reshuffle also includes changes in other key police departments.
-
Natarajan Ramesh Babu has been appointed Director General of Correctional Services.
-
Ajay Mukund Ranade will serve as Additional Director General (Law and Order).
Officials said the changes are aimed at strengthening administrative oversight and maintaining law and order during the election period.
Election Commission’s Objective
A senior ECI official stated that the transfers align with assurances given by Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner, regarding the conduct of free, fair, and peaceful elections in West Bengal.
“The Chief Election Commissioner had assured that the elections would be peaceful and violence-free. In line with that commitment, the Election Commission has appointed and transferred senior police officials in the state,” the official said.
The police reshuffle follows earlier administrative changes ordered by the poll body, including the transfer of the state’s chief secretary and home secretary, as part of the election management process.
With the election dates approaching, the Election Commission continues to review administrative arrangements to ensure smooth polling across the state.
