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Centre grants six-month extension to West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a six-month extension for West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta beyond his retirement on April 30, 2026. The extension was issued as an official order on April 27, 2026, in relaxation of AIS (DCRB) Rules 1958. Gupta had been appointed by the Election Commission on March 16, 2026, to lead West Bengal police for the poll period, succeeding Peeyush Pandey.
Why It Matters
The decision ensures continuity of policing leadership in West Bengal during the post-poll period and illustrates central involvement in state police appointments around elections.
Timeline
5 Events
Peeyush Pandey retirement timeline
December 2028
Peeyush Pandey is scheduled to retire in December 2028.
ACC approves six-month extension for Gupta; order issued
April 27, 2026
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a six-month extension for Siddh Nath Gupta beyond his retirement on April 30, 2026, in relaxation of Rule 16(1) AIS (DCRB) Rules, 1958. The official order was issued on April 27, 2026.
Gupta appointed West Bengal police chief by Election Commission
March 16, 2026
Siddh Nath Gupta, a 1992-batch IPS officer, was appointed West Bengal police chief by the Election Commission on March 16, 2026, replacing Peeyush Pandey for the poll period. The EC also replaced the Kolkata police commissioner, the chief of correctional services and the additional director general in charge of law and order as part of the reshuffle.
Election Commission announces assembly elections; transfers officials in West Bengal
March 15, 2026
The Election Commission announced the assembly elections on March 15, 2026, after which it transferred 483 administrative and police officials in West Bengal, compared with 23 officers moved in other poll-bound states.
Peeyush Pandey appointed West Bengal police chief by state government
January 31, 2026
Pandey, who is senior to Gupta by one IPS batch, was appointed police chief of West Bengal by the Trinamool Congress government on January 31, 2026.