Election Commission of India Transfers Five IPS Officers Before Bengal Elections
Synopsis
In a significant reshuffle ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India has transferred five IPS officers. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Key Takeaways
The ECI transferred five DIG-ranked IPS officers in West Bengal.
A total of 19 police officials were reshuffled recently.
The state elections are scheduled for April 23 and April 29.
This move aims to enhance law and order during the electoral process.
New appointees are set to oversee critical regions.
Kolkata, March 18 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently mandated the transfer of five Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, all holding the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), who oversee particular ranges in West Bengal.
According to a notification released by the ECI, Amit Kumar Bharat Rathod has been appointed as the new DIG of the Raiganj Range, taking over from Santosh Uttamrao Nimbalkar.
Ajeet Singh Yadav will now serve as the DIG of the critical Murshidabad Range, succeeding Sudheer Kumar Neelakantam.
Srihari Pandey has been designated as the new DIG for the Burdwan Range, replacing Alok Rajoria.
Kankar Prasad Barui will take charge as the DIG of the Presidency Range, replacing Bhaskar Mukherjee.
Lastly, Anjali Singh is the new DIG for the Jalpaiguri Range, taking over from Dr. Bholanath Pandey.
Earlier, on Tuesday, the ECI facilitated the transfer of 19 senior police officials in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections.
This group of 19 included two Additional Director Generals (ADGs), four Police Commissioners, 12 Superintendents of Police (SPs), and a Deputy Commissioner from the Kolkata Police.
On Monday, the ECI dismissed the Acting Director General of Police, Peeyush Pandey, Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar, and the Director General for Law & Order, Vineet Goyal.
Siddh Nath Gupta has succeeded Pandey, while Ajay Kumar Nand has replaced Sarkar, and Ajay Mukund Ranade has taken Goyal's position.
Earlier, late Sunday night, shortly after the announcement of the two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, the ECI removed Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and Home Secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena.
Dushyant Nariala has taken over for Chakraborty, and Shanghamitra Ghosh has replaced Meena.
The two-phase elections in West Bengal are set for April 23 and April 29, with the first phase covering 152 Assembly constituencies and the second phase covering 142 constituencies.
Point of View
These changes reflect a proactive approach to ensure a fair and transparent electoral environment.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the IPS officers transferred?
The transfers were ordered by the Election Commission of India in preparation for the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal.
Who are the new appointees for the DIG positions?
The new DIGs include Amit Kumar Bharat Rathod, Ajeet Singh Yadav, Srihari Pandey, Kankar Prasad Barui, and Anjali Singh.
What are the dates for the West Bengal Assembly elections?
The elections will occur on April 23 and April 29.
How many police officials were transferred in total recently?
A total of 19 senior police officers were transferred as part of the recent reshuffle.
What is the significance of these transfers?
These transfers are crucial for ensuring effective policing and maintaining order during the elections.
