Police Reshuffle: EC orders transfer of 5 IPS Officers ahead of West Bengal Assembly Elections

March 18, 2026

The Election Commission of India has ordered the transfer and fresh posting of several IPS officers in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming 2026 Legislative Assembly elections.

In an official communication, the Commission reviewed the poll preparedness in the state and directed immediate reshuffling of key police officials to ensure free and fair elections.

As per the order, five senior officers have been assigned new responsibilities at the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level across various ranges. Rathod Amitkumar Bharat has been posted as DIG, Raiganj Range, while Ajeet Singh Yadav will take charge as DIG, Murshidabad.

Shrihari Pandey has been appointed as DIG, Bardhaman, and Kankar Prosad Barui will serve as DIG, Presidency Range. Anjali Singh has been posted as DIG, Jalpaiguri.

Check the Order here 

The Commission has instructed that the orders be implemented with immediate effect.

Importantly, the Commission clarified that officers who have been transferred out will not be assigned any election-related duties until the completion of the electoral process.