Punjab-born ‘Singham’ IPS Ajay Pal Sharma’s Bengal posting triggers high-voltage political face-off
Ajay Pal Sharma, Punjab-born IPS officer known as UP’s ‘Singham’, has stirred controversy after his deployment in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas during elections, triggering a sharp political face-off between TMC and BJP
PTC Web Desk: The high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections have taken a dramatic turn with the entry of Punjab-born IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, popularly dubbed Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Singham’, into the politically sensitive South 24 Parganas district. His appointment as an Election Commission observer has triggered a fresh political flashpoint, intensifying tensions between the ruling TMC and the BJP.
Hailing from Ludhiana in Punjab, Ajay Pal Sharma’s reputation as a tough, no-nonsense police officer precedes him. Known for his aggressive policing style and high-profile encounters in Uttar Pradesh, his deployment in a region considered a stronghold of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s party was always expected to draw sharp reactions.
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced on social media showing Sharma issuing a stern warning to alleged supporters of TMC candidate Jehangir Khan. The officer was heard cautioning them against intimidating voters, stating that strict action would follow if such activities continued. The video quickly went viral, fuelling a political slugfest.
Currently serving as Additional Commissioner of Police in Prayagraj, Sharma has built a formidable reputation over the years with postings in districts such as Shamli, Noida, Jaunpur, and Rampur. His policing career, marked by several high-risk operations, aligns with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s push for a stringent crackdown on crime. This has earned him the tag of an “encounter specialist,” though Sharma himself has always downplayed the label, attributing such incidents to circumstances rather than intent.
Interestingly, Sharma’s journey to the police force is far from conventional. Before cracking the UPSC examination in 2008, he trained as a dentist. His younger brother also cleared the civil services and joined the IAS, making the family notable for its academic achievements. Both officers are currently serving in Uttar Pradesh.
Sharma first grabbed national attention in 2018 during his tenure in Rampur, when he led an operation to apprehend a suspect accused of raping and murdering a minor. The accused was injured in an encounter before being arrested, bringing Sharma into the spotlight and earning him commendation from the state government.
Beyond his tough stance on crime, Sharma has also been known to act against misconduct within his own ranks. During his posting in Noida, he famously conducted surprise inspections in plain clothes, even travelling in an autorickshaw to catch erring police personnel. Such actions further cemented his ‘Singham’ image within police circles.
However, his career has not been without controversy. Sharma has faced allegations ranging from staged encounters to corruption. Opposition parties earlier questioned certain police operations under his watch, including encounters in Shamli. Additionally, there have been accusations related to alleged irregularities in postings and personal conduct, though these cases have seen little progress.
Following the viral videos, the TMC issued a sharp response, warning Sharma against overstepping his authority and asserting that West Bengal is not Uttar Pradesh.
The controversy also drew in leaders from other states. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised Sharma’s deployment, alleging bias and questioning his credentials, while expressing support for Mamata Banerjee.