West Bengal Police Leadership Reshuffled Ahead of Upcoming Elections

In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission has reshuffled several senior police officials, including the DGP and Kolkata Police Commissioner. This decision aims to ensure a peaceful electoral process, with assurances from the Chief Election Commissioner regarding violence-free elections. The reshuffle includes the appointment of new leaders in correctional services and law enforcement, reflecting the commission's commitment to maintaining order during the electoral period. Read on to learn more about the changes and their implications for the state's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 16:27 IST

Significant Changes in West Bengal Police Leadership

On Monday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) executed a reshuffle involving four senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Commissioner of Kolkata Police in West Bengal. This decision came just a day after the announcement of elections scheduled for April 23 and 29 in two phases within the state.

Late on Monday, the Election Commission also transferred the state's Chief Secretary and Home Secretary.

During a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assured that the elections in West Bengal would be conducted peacefully and without violence. To achieve this goal, the commission has made appointments and transfers of senior police officials, including the DGP of the state police and the Commissioner of Kolkata Police. Siddh Nath Gupta, an IPS officer from the 1992 batch, will take over as the new DGP, succeeding Piyush Pandey. Ajay Kumar Nand will replace Supratim Sarkar as the new Commissioner of Kolkata Police.

Additionally, the Director General of Correctional Services and the Additional Director General of Law and Order have also been transferred. Natarajan Ramesh Babu will assume the role of the new Director General of Correctional Services, while Ajay Mukund Ranade has been appointed as the new Additional Director General of Law and Order.