Kolkata: Undeterred by ongoing pressure from constitutional authorities and legal hurdles, the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government on Friday went ahead with a major reshuffle of top IPS officers, appointing senior IPS officer Peeyush Pandey (IPS: 1993: WB) as the interim Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal.
Pandey replaces Rajeev Kumar (IPS: 1989), who retired on January 31, 2026, bringing to a close his tenure at the helm of the state police. The appointment comes amid a prolonged administrative and legal tussle over the appointment of a permanent police chief in the state.
Interim Appointment Amid Administrative Deadlock
According to the official order issued on Friday, Peeyush Pandey will hold the charge of interim DGP until further orders. The appointment was necessitated by the superannuation of Rajeev Kumar and the absence of a finalized panel for a permanent DGP.
The state has not had a full-time, permanent DGP since December 2023, owing to procedural disputes and litigation involving the state government, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and judicial forums.
The Ongoing Tussle Over Permanent DGP Appointment
The delay in appointing a permanent DGP has its roots in multiple legal and procedural challenges:
Procedural Delays
The UPSC returned the panel of officers proposed by the West Bengal government, citing non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh judgment, which mandates that recommendations for the DGP post must be sent at least three months before the anticipated vacancy.
UPSC vs CAT
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) recently directed the UPSC to finalize a panel of names by January 29, 2026. However, the UPSC challenged this order before the Delhi High Court, arguing that CAT’s interim directions were not legally sustainable.
Succession Disputes
The process was further complicated when senior IPS officer Rajesh Kumar challenged the earlier shortlisting before the CAT, adding another layer of litigation.
Acting Status Continues
With the matter still sub judice in the Delhi High Court and the next hearing scheduled for February 3, 2026, the state government opted to appoint another “acting” or interim DGP instead of a permanent police chief.
Who Is IPS Peeyush Pandey?
Mr Pandey is a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the West Bengal cadre with over three decades of policing experience. An engineer by education, Pandey’s career spans district policing, intelligence, VVIP security, central deputation, and senior leadership roles.
On January 31, 2026, he reached the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed interim Director General of Police of West Bengal, succeeding Rajeev Kumar.
Educational Background: Engineer Turned Top Cop
Graduation:
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) from Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, 1986–1990 batch.
Post-Graduation:
Higher studies at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, from 1990 to 1992.
After completing his engineering education, Mr Pandey turned his focus to the Civil Services, clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joining the IPS in 1993.
UPSC Journey and Cadre Allocation
- Service: Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Batch: 1993
- Cadre: West Bengal
Since his allotment, IPS Pandey has spent his entire career in the West Bengal cadre, barring central deputation, gaining deep familiarity with the state’s law-and-order, security, and intelligence architecture.
Professional Career and Key Roles
Director General of Police, West Bengal (Interim)
Tenure: January 2026 – Present
Took charge following Rajeev Kumar’s retirement amid unresolved legal proceedings.
Director of Security, West Bengal
Immediately prior to becoming DGP, Pandey headed the Directorate of Security, overseeing VVIP protection, including the security of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
He was appointed to this role in 2022 following a security breach at the CM’s Kalighat residence.
Inspector General, Special Protection Group (SPG)
Served a long central deputation with the elite Special Protection Group, which provides security to the Prime Minister of India.
- He was IG (SPG) when Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014.
- First Commissioner of Police, Chandannagar
In 2017, Pandey was appointed the founding Commissioner of Police of the newly created Chandannagar Police Commissionerate.
Additional Director General (ADG) Roles
Held several ADG-rank positions in different wings of the West Bengal Police after returning from central deputation.
- District and City Policing Experience
- Superintendent of Police (SP), Burdwan district
- Deputy Commissioner (Detective Department), Kolkata Police
Awards and Recognition
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service
- Awarded on Republic Day 2017 during his tenure as IG, SPG.
Professional Reputation
Within policing circles, Piyush Pandey is regarded as a low-profile but highly efficient officer, known particularly for his expertise in VVIP security, intelligence operations, and crisis management. His elevation to the top post comes at a politically sensitive time, with the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching and law-and-order expected to remain under close scrutiny.
Significance of the Appointment
Pandey’s appointment as interim DGP is part of a wider reshuffle of senior IPS officers carried out by the state government on Friday. The move signals the government’s intent to maintain administrative continuity and assert control over policing matters despite ongoing institutional and legal challenges.
