Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Monday carried out one of the largest police reshuffles in recent years, transferring a total of 179 police officers across the state, including key positions within the Kolkata Police Commissionerate, Special Task Force (STF), Intelligence Branch and district police units.
According to a notification issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department, the reshuffle includes 151 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and 28 West Bengal Police Service (WBPS) officers, making it one of the most extensive administrative exercises undertaken in the state’s policing structure.
The large-scale transfer exercise involves senior officers at the ranks of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Commissioner of Police, Joint Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police (SP).
Major Changes in Special Task Force and Intelligence Branch
Among the prominent appointments, senior IPS officers Rajesh Kumar Yadav and Gaurav Sharma have been posted as Inspectors General of Police in the Special Task Force (STF).
Former Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Murlidhar Sharma has been appointed as Inspector General of Police, Intelligence Branch.
Another significant appointment saw Sudhir Kumar Neelakantam, who was serving as DIG in the STF, being posted as Inspector General of the CIF.
Kolkata Police Commissionerate Sees Major Leadership Changes
The reshuffle has brought substantial changes to the leadership structure of Kolkata Police.
Key Senior Appointments
- Kunal Aggarwal appointed as Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), Kolkata Police.
- Mukesh posted as IGP, Armed Police, Kolkata.
- Surya Pratap Yadav appointed Joint Commissioner (Traffic).
- Shubhankar Bhattacharya transferred as DIG (Traffic).
Deputy Commissioner-Level Appointments
Several important Deputy Commissioner positions have also been reassigned:
- Ishani Pal appointed DC, South-West Division.
- Sayak Das posted as DC, North Division.
- Praveen Prakash appointed DC, Central Division.
- Shiba Prasad Patra posted as DC, Bhangar Division.
- Khandbale Umesh Ganpat appointed DC, Special Security Division (SSD).
- Y S Jagannathrao posted as DC, Detective Department.
- Subimal Pal appointed DC, Eastern Suburban Division (ESD).
Siliguri and Railways Receive New Leadership
In another notable appointment, Syed Waquar Raza has been named Commissioner of Police, Siliguri, the largest city in North Bengal.
Meanwhile, Joy Biswas has been posted as Inspector General of Police, Railways.
Additionally, Saumya Roy has been appointed Senior Superintendent of the Enforcement Branch.
Extensive District-Level Transfers
The reshuffle also includes significant changes in district police leadership.
New District SPs
- Chandra Sekhar Bardham appointed Superintendent of Police, Diamond Harbour Police District.
- K Sunny Raj posted as Superintendent of Police, Purulia.
Other Key District Transfers
- Shubhendra Kumar transferred from Baruipur Police District to the Wireless Branch of Kolkata Police.
- Parijat Biswas shifted from STF to the Enforcement Branch.
- Amarnath K promoted and appointed DIG, Intelligence Bureau, North Bengal.
- Vaibhav Tiwari elevated as Joint Commissioner, Armed Police, Kolkata.
- Miss Pushpa transferred from Barasat Police District to Purba Bardhaman.
- Soumaditya Bhattacharya moved from Bankura to STF, Malda.
- Chinmoy Mittal also transferred as part of the statewide reshuffle.
One of Bengal’s Largest Police Restructuring Exercises
The transfer of 179 officers is being viewed as one of the most extensive police administrative exercises in recent years.
The reshuffle covers a broad spectrum of policing functions, including:
- Law and order administration
- Criminal investigation
- Intelligence gathering
- Traffic management
- Railway policing
- Special Task Force operations
- District policing
- Enforcement activities
- Security and armed police units
Officials believe the changes will help streamline operations, strengthen leadership across police formations and improve coordination among various law enforcement wings.
Focus on Operational Efficiency
The large-scale reorganization comes at a time when the state government is undertaking broader administrative restructuring across departments.
By placing experienced officers in strategic assignments across Kolkata Police, district police units, intelligence formations and specialized wings, the government aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen security management and enhance law enforcement capabilities across West Bengal.
The transfer orders take immediate effect.
Key Highlights
- Total officers transferred: 179
- IPS officers transferred: 151
- WBPS officers transferred: 28
- Major units affected: Kolkata Police, STF, Intelligence Branch, Railways, District Police
- District SPs shifted: 12
- One of the largest police reshuffles in West Bengal in recent years
