In a significant administrative shift, West Bengal witnessed the formal induction of its new Director General of Police (DGP) and Kolkata Police Commissioner on Saturday, accompanied by a sweeping series of police transfers initiated by the state government for the second consecutive day.
New Leadership Assumes Charge with Focus on Collaboration
Peeyush Pandey officially took over the reins as the Bengal DGP from Rajeev Kumar at Bhawani Bhawan. Addressing the media after assuming office, Pandey underscored a collective approach to law enforcement. "Me and my colleagues, we wish to work as a team," he stated, emphasizing their commitment to delivering proper policing services to the public. He further highlighted the necessity of mutual cooperation, adding, "We are always there for the public and we will also expect full cooperation of the public to ensure proper policing."
However, the newly appointed DGP opted to refrain from commenting on matters related to the Bengal polls during his inaugural interactions. "I will not comment on this now. Let me understand a few things first," Pandey remarked, indicating a period of assessment before addressing political queries.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Outlines Immediate Priorities
Simultaneously, Supratim Sarkar returned to Lalbazar to take charge as the Kolkata Police Commissioner from his predecessor, Manoj Varma. Sarkar promptly convened meetings with senior officers to outline his strategic focus areas. A key directive emerged concerning traffic management, where he urged the Kolkata Traffic Police to enhance their visibility significantly.
Sources revealed that Sarkar instructed all personnel, from officers to constables, to be actively present on the roads during peak hours to improve traffic regulation and public safety. Notably, the commissioner maintained a low profile with the media throughout the day, choosing not to engage in public statements.
Extensive Police Transfers Reshape Key Positions
Parallel to these leadership changes, the West Bengal government executed its second mass transfer order within two days, impacting 26 officers across both Kolkata Police and Bengal Police. This rejig aims to optimize operational efficiency and fill critical vacancies.
Notable transfers include:
- Priyabrata Roy, previously DCP (south), appointed as SP Barasat.
- Bidisha Kalita, former DCP (SSD-Jadavpur), reassigned as SP Bongaon.
- Charu Sharma, SP (HQ) Sunderban, takes over as DC (SSD-Jadavpur).
- Dipak Sarkar, DCP (north), moves to DC (south).
- Arish Bilal, DC (east), transferred to SS (Intelligence Branch).
- Jaspreet Singh assumes the role of DC (east).
- Amit Verma, from DCP (1st battalion), becomes DC (ESD).
Additionally, Pushpa, who served as SRP (Howrah), is now DCP (Bidhannagar), with Indrajit Basu, former SP (Bengal STF-Operations), replacing her. Jyortirmoy Roy, CO (EFR, 1st battalion), steps in as DC (New Town), while Praween Prakash, SP (Darjeeling), is succeeded by Pratiksha Jhakariya, previously SP Barasat. Prakash will now serve as CO (6th battalion).
Revised Postings Adjust Senior Command Structure
The transfer orders also saw modifications in two key appointments. IG Amit P Javalgi, ex-Chandernagore commissioner, has been designated as the new IG (Barasat range), canceling his earlier posting as IG (Burdwan). Meanwhile, DIG Alok Rajoria will take up the position of DIG (Burdwan), superseding his initial assignment as DIG (Barasat).
These strategic moves reflect the state government's ongoing efforts to streamline police administration and reinforce law enforcement capabilities across West Bengal, ensuring a robust framework for public safety and order.
