Who Is IPS Ajay Pal Sharma? UP ‘Encounter Specialist’ Deployed in Bengal Sparks Political Row
The deployment of Ajay Pal Sharma, widely known as Uttar Pradesh’s “encounter specialist,” as police observer in West Bengal has triggered a fresh political controversy ahead of voting in the state assembly elections.
Sharma, a 2011-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is currently posted as Additional Commissioner of Police in Prayagraj. He has been assigned as police observer for South 24 Parganas district ahead of the second phase of polling.
Born in October 1985 in Ludhiana, Sharma initially pursued dentistry before joining the Indian Police Service. Over the years, he earned a reputation for his tough policing style during postings in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in high-profile security operations, which led to him being labelled an “encounter specialist.”
His deployment has sparked a political debate between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. While the BJP and the Election Commission defended the move as part of efforts to ensure free and fair elections, the TMC and other opposition leaders alleged that it could influence voter behaviour.
BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya, publicly supported Sharma’s deployment, describing him as a strict officer capable of maintaining law and order during elections. On social media, he was referred to as the “Singham of UP Police,” with videos of his interactions circulating widely online.
However, TMC leaders criticized the move, with some accusing the BJP of using administrative deployments to gain electoral advantage. TMC MP Mahua Moitra also questioned Sharma’s conduct, sharing videos on social media and mocking his public appearances.
The BJP’s West Bengal unit defended the officer, stating that he had acted firmly against attempts to intimidate voters and asserting that the elections would be conducted in a free and fair manner.
The controversy adds to the already heated political atmosphere in West Bengal as the state heads into crucial phases of polling.
