Major Police Reshuffle in West Bengal Ahead of Upcoming Elections

In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming elections, the Election Commission of India has implemented a major reshuffle of police leadership in West Bengal. Key figures, including the acting DGP and Kolkata Police Commissioner, have been replaced to ensure a peaceful electoral environment. The changes come as the state prepares for elections scheduled for April 23 and 29, with counting set for May 4. This article delves into the details of the reshuffle and the implications for law enforcement during the electoral process.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 13:15 IST

Significant Changes in West Bengal's Police Leadership

Kolkata: On Monday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) revealed a significant reshuffle of police officials in West Bengal, which includes the replacement of the acting Director General of Police (DGP), Peeyush Pandey, and Kolkata Police Commissioner, Supratim Sarkar.

Siddh Nath Gupta, an IPS officer from the 1992 batch, has been appointed as the new DGP, taking over from Pandey.

Ajay Kumar Nand, an IPS officer from the 1996 batch, has been designated as the new Commissioner of Kolkata Police, succeeding Sarkar.

Both Pandey and Sarkar were initially appointed on January 30.

Additionally, Vineet Kumar Goyal, the Director General of Law & Order, has been replaced by Ajay Mukud Ranade, a 1995-batch IPS officer, who will serve as Additional Director General of Law & Order.

Goyal, a former Kolkata Police Commissioner, faced removal following controversies linked to the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata in August 2024.

The Commission also appointed Natarajan Ramesh Babu, a 1991-batch IPS officer, as the Director General of Correctional Services.

During a press conference on Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the ECI's commitment to ensuring that the elections in West Bengal are conducted peacefully and without violence, which prompted these transfer orders.

The ECI had previously ordered the transfers of Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena, stating that they would not participate in any election-related responsibilities.

Dushyant Nariala has taken over from Chakraborty, while Shanghamitra Ghosh has replaced Meena.

The elections in West Bengal are set to occur in two phases on April 23 and 29, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.