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ECI Transfers 5 More IPS Officers in Bengal Ahead of Crucial Assembly Polls

The Election Commission of India has ordered the transfer of five more IPS officers in West Bengal, all at the Deputy Inspector General rank, assigning them to key ranges. This move is part of a sweeping pre-election reshuffle, following the transfer of 19 senior police officers just a day earlier. The commission had also recently removed the state's top police and bureaucratic officials, including the Acting DGP and the Chief Secretary. The two-phase Assembly elections in the state are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

Key Points: Bengal Polls: ECI Transfers 5 IPS Officers in DIG Ranks

  • 5 DIG-rank officers transferred
  • Part of major pre-poll reshuffle
  • Follows transfer of 19 officers on Tuesday
  • Aimed at ensuring fair elections
  • Polls scheduled for April 23 & 29
2 min read

Bengal polls: ECI transfers five more IPS officers, all in DIG ranks

Election Commission transfers five DIG-rank IPS officers in West Bengal, continuing major police reshuffle ahead of the two-phase Assembly elections.

"The Election Commission of India, on Wednesday, ordered the transfer of five more Indian Police Service officers - ECI Notification"

Kolkata, March 18

The Election Commission of India, on Wednesday, ordered the transfer of five more Indian Police Service officers, in the ranks of Deputy Inspector General, and all in charge of specific ranges under a division in West Bengal.

As per a notification issued by the ECI, Amit Kumar Bharat Rathod will be the new DIG of Raiganj Range, replacing Santosh Uttamrao Nimbalkar.

Ajeet Singh Yadav will be the new DIG of the sensitive Murshidabad Range. Yadav replaced Sudheer Kumar Neelakantam.

Srihari Pandey has been appointed as the new DIG of Burdwan Range. He replaced Alok Rajoria.

Kankar Prasad Barui is the new DIG of Presidency Range and replaces Bhaskar Mukherjee.

Finally, Anjali Singh has been appointed as the new DIG of Jalpaiguri Range, replacing Dr Bholanath Pandey.

On Tuesday, the ECI ordered the transfer of 19 senior police officers in West Bengal, in the run-up to the two-phase Assembly polls.

The 19 policemen, who were transferred, included two Additional Director Generals (ADGs), four Commissioners of Police, 12 Superintendents of Police (SPs), and a Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Police.

On Monday, the ECI removed the Acting Director General of Police, Peeyush Pandey, Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar, and the Director General, Law & Order, Vineet Goyal.

While Siddh Nath Gupta replaced Pandey, Ajay Kumar Nand took the place of Sarkar. Ajay Mukund Ranade succeeded Goyal.

Earlier, on Sunday night, hours after the two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal were announced, the ECI removed Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena.

While Dushyant Nariala replaced Chakraborty, Shanghamitra Ghosh replaced Meena.

The two-phase polls in West Bengal will be conducted on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, elections will be conducted for 152 Assembly constituencies, and in the second phase, polling will be held for 142 constituencies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
So many transfers in such a short time! The Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, DGP, Commissioners... it seems like the entire administrative machinery is being overhauled. While the intent is good, I hope the new officers get enough time to understand their jurisdictions before the polls. 🤔
V
Vikram M
Good move. But will it be enough? The problem is often at the ground level with local party cadres. The new DIGs need to send a strong message from day one that intimidation won't be tolerated. All the best to officers like Ajeet Singh Yadav taking charge of Murshidabad.
P
Priya S
Seeing Anjali Singh appointed as DIG of Jalpaiguri Range is encouraging! More women in such key policing roles, especially during high-stakes elections, can make a real difference in handling sensitive situations. Wishing her all the success. 👍
R
Rohit P
With all due respect to the ECI, this feels like a massive administrative disruption just weeks before voting. Continuity is also important for law and order. I hope this doesn't create confusion that bad elements can exploit. The proof will be in the peaceful polling percentage.
K
Karthik V
The ECI is doing its job. Now it's up to the political parties to tell their workers to behave. Bengal deserves a violence-free election where people can vote without fear. Jai Hind!

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