Controversy Surrounds IPS Officer Ajay Pal Sharma Amid West Bengal Elections

Ajay Pal Sharma in the Spotlight

Ajay Pal Sharma, a senior IPS officer known for his expertise in encounters, has recently become a topic of discussion. He was appointed as an observer for the West Bengal elections, but a video surfaced showing him intimidating some troublemakers, leading to criticism from the Trinamool Congress. There are now claims circulating that after the BJP forms a government in West Bengal, Sharma will be assigned there for a five-year deputation. However, these reports have been debunked by Sharma himself.

Viral Video Sparks Controversy

During the Bengal elections, a video from Falta in South 24 Parganas went viral. This location is significant as it is set for re-elections due to irregularities. In the video, Ajay Pal Sharma, accompanied by a team, warned TMC candidate Jahangir Khan's family that strict action would be taken against those involved in misconduct. He advised them to control their relatives or face severe consequences.

Political Reactions and Speculations

Following this incident, Jahangir Khan made statements that drew attention to Sharma's actions, prompting a backlash from the TMC and even questions from former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Despite the uproar, Sharma continued his duties on election day, which has led to various rumors about his future.

Claims of Long-Term Posting in Bengal

Numerous posts on social media are claiming that Ajay Pal Sharma will be stationed in Bengal for five years. Some accounts, allegedly under his name, have been spreading these assertions. However, Sharma has labeled these Facebook posts as fake, stating that someone has created a fraudulent account using his images to generate misleading information.

Understanding IPS Officer Transfers

It's essential to understand that the Indian Police Service (IPS) operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. When officers are appointed, they choose their cadre, which could be a specific state's police or a central agency. Officers can later be transferred to different cadres or states for various reasons. For instance, an officer from the Nagaland cadre was recently appointed as SP in the Bureau of Police Research and Development after serving in Nagaland.

Ajay Pal Sharma's Career Highlights

Ajay Pal Sharma, an IPS officer from the 2011 batch, has risen to the rank of DIG. He has received a silver medal in 2017 and a gold medal in 2025 for his exemplary service. Before being appointed as an observer in Bengal, he served as the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) in Prayagraj. Known for his tough demeanor, Sharma has been involved in over 500 encounters throughout his career, with a notable record of 126 encounters during his 22 months in Jaunpur.