EC transfers IPS, WBPS officers in major pre-poll reshuffle, immediate compliance ordered | Check list

The Election Commission of India has approved a major reshuffle of IPS and WBPS officers in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, directing the state government to implement the transfers immediately. In an official communication dated April 11, the Commission instructed authorities to ensure compliance with the new postings by 11:00 AM on April 12, signalling a push for administrative neutrality during the electoral process.

According to the approved list, several senior officers have been reassigned to key positions, particularly within Kolkata Police and other important districts. Among the notable changes, Soma Das Mitra has been posted as Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Sudeep Sarkar as Joint Commissioner (Headquarters), and Debasmita Das as Joint Commissioner (Intelligence) in Kolkata Police. Other significant postings include V.S.R. Ananthnag as Deputy Commissioner of South Division, Pradeep Kumar Yadav as Deputy Commissioner of North Division, and Saikat Ghosh as Deputy Commissioner of South East Division. Multiple officers have also been shifted across divisions such as East Division, Bhangar Division, and Chandannagar and Siliguri Police Commissionerates.

The reshuffle also includes postings at the sub-divisional level and in specialised units, reflecting a broader administrative reorganisation aimed at strengthening law enforcement during elections. Officials have been directed to take charge of their new assignments without delay. The move comes as part of standard election protocol, where the Commission exercises its authority to transfer officials to ensure a level playing field and maintain law and order during the polling process.