Pre-Poll Jitters: 40 Top Police Officers Transferred in Bengal

Kolkata, November 29, 2025: The West Bengal Government made a significant administrative move. They transferred 40 police officers in a single day. It is a major overhaul as the sweeping reshuffle comes just months before the crucial Assembly elections.

The transfer was ordered by the Home and Hill Affairs Department late on Thursday. Also, the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, holds the portfolio of:
• Total Officers Moved: 40
• Senior IPS Officers: 14 (holding the rank of Superintendent of Police)
• Junior IPS/WBPS Officers: 26 (Extra SPs, SDPOs, and other ranks)

The changes are extensive as key district police chiefs were swapped. For example, Avijit Banerjee moved from Purulia to become the new SP of Malda. Soumyadip Bhattacharya, SP of Purba Medinipur, was moved to Bankura.

Why the Drastic Step Now?

Officially, the state secretariat, Nabanna, called the transfers a “routine administrative exercise” done “in the interest of public service.” However, the timing hints at something different. It is happening during two politically sensitive processes:
1. The SIR (Voter Revision): The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is ongoing. This process is causing intense political fights. The ruling party and the opposition both accuse local police of bias.
2. Pre-Poll Strategy: Before any major election, governments often change police and civil officers. This is meant to guarantee administrative neutrality and efficiency.

What does the Opposition say about the transfer?

The move drew immediate criticism from the opposition. The opposition leader, Suvendu Adhikari, had earlier written a letter to the Election Commission. He named several officers, including the SP of Purba Medinipur, accusing them of “acting at the behest of the ruling Trinamool Congress.” The transfer of the Purba Medinipur SP days later adds fuel to this fire. The opposition claims this is not routine. They say it is the ruling party trying to manage the administration before the polls.

The Sweeping of a Political Stronghold

One notable detail fuels political speculation. The government has transferred both the SP and the Additional SP (Sadar) from Purba Medinipur. This key coastal district is the stronghold of the Leader of the Opposition. Also, no replacements were named immediately for the top posts.

This temporary swap in leadership has caused concern among local political leaders. They fear it will affect ground-level law and order. Police transfers are now a core part of the pre-election political narrative. It is a major shuffle that highlights the intense heat building up in Bengal.