In a significant administrative overhaul preceding the crucial assembly elections, the West Bengal government executed a massive police reshuffle on Thursday, affecting 40 senior police officers across the state.
Major Police Reshuffle Across Bengal Districts
The state government transferred 14 superintendents of police (SP) and 26 additional SPs in one of the most extensive bureaucratic movements in recent times. The reshuffle particularly targeted several politically sensitive and crucial districts including East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Malda, and Jalpaiguri.
This strategic repositioning of police leadership comes at a critical juncture when the state is preparing for upcoming assembly elections, indicating the government's focus on ensuring optimal law and order management during the electoral process.
Key Promotions and Transfers Revealed
Among the notable changes, Arijit Sinha, who previously served as SP of Jhargram, received a significant promotion to the position of deputy inspector general (DIG) of Midnapore Range. This elevation marks one of the most prominent career advancements in the recent reshuffle.
In other important movements, Vaibhav Tiwari has been relocated from his position as SP of Bankura to take charge as the new SP of Purulia district. He replaces Avijit Banerjee, who has been reassigned to Malda as part of the comprehensive transfer exercise.
The musical chairs of police postings continued with Y Raghuvanshi moving from Alipurduar to assume responsibilities as the new SP of Jalpaiguri. Meanwhile, Dhritiman Sarkar, the former SP of West Midnapore, has been appointed to the significant position of SS (IB).
Comprehensive District-Level Reshuffling
The transfer orders brought several other noteworthy changes in police leadership across various districts. K Umesh Gyanpat, who previously served as SP of Jalpaiguri, will now take charge in Alipurduar, effectively swapping positions with Y Raghuvanshi.
Soumyadip Bhattacharya has been moved from East Midnapore to lead the police force in Bankura district. In another important appointment, Manav Singla has been designated as the SP of Jhargram, transitioning from his previous role as deputy commissioner of New Town under the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.
The West Midnapore district will see Palash Chandra Dhali taking over as the new SP. Dhali previously managed the Baruipur Police District, which will now be headed by Shubhendra Kumar, who has been promoted from his position as additional SP (rural) of East Midnapore.
In the northern part of the state, Mohammad Sana Akhtar has been transferred from Raiganj Police District to assume the role of Deputy Commissioner at the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate. His position in Raiganj will be filled by Sonawane Kuldip Suresh, who moves from the SSIB to take charge as the new SP of Raiganj Police District.
This extensive reshuffle demonstrates the state government's strategic approach to police administration during the critical pre-election period, ensuring experienced officers are positioned in key districts to maintain law and order.
