PS Peeyush Pandey Appointed Interim DGP of West Bengal After Rajeev Kumar’s Retirement Amid Legal and Administrative Deadlock
Kolkata, February 2026: In a decisive move by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, senior Indian Police Service officer Peeyush Pandey (IPS: 1993: West Bengal cadre) has been appointed as the interim Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal, following the retirement of Rajeev Kumar (IPS: 1989) on January 31, 2026.
The appointment comes at a time of heightened administrative uncertainty and legal disputes surrounding the selection of a permanent police chief. Despite ongoing pressure from constitutional authorities and judicial forums, the state government proceeded with a reshuffle of top IPS officers, entrusting Pandey with the responsibility of leading the state police force until further orders.
Interim Appointment Amid Prolonged Administrative Stalemate
According to the official order issued on Friday, Peeyush Pandey will serve as interim DGP until further instructions are issued. His appointment was necessitated by the superannuation of Rajeev Kumar and the absence of a finalized panel of officers for the permanent DGP position.
West Bengal has not had a full-time DGP since December 2023, owing to procedural disputes and litigation involving the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), and the judiciary.
The Ongoing Tussle Over Permanent DGP Appointment
Procedural Delays
The UPSC returned the panel of officers proposed by the West Bengal government, citing non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh judgment, which requires that recommendations for the DGP post be submitted at least three months before the anticipated vacancy.
UPSC vs CAT
The CAT recently directed the UPSC to finalize a panel of names by January 29, 2026. However, the UPSC challenged this directive before the Delhi High Court, arguing that CAT’s interim order was not legally sustainable.
Succession Disputes
The process was further complicated when senior IPS officer Rajesh Kumar contested the earlier shortlisting before the CAT, adding another layer of litigation.
Acting Status Continues
With the matter still pending before the Delhi High Court and the next hearing scheduled for February 3, 2026, the state government opted to appoint another “acting” or interim DGP rather than wait for a permanent appointment.
Who Is IPS Peeyush Pandey?
Peeyush Pandey is a 1993-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre with over three decades of policing experience. An engineer by education, he has built a career spanning district policing, intelligence, VVIP security, central deputation, and senior leadership roles.
On January 31, 2026, he reached the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed interim DGP of West Bengal, succeeding Rajeev Kumar.
Educational Background: Engineer Turned Policeman
Graduation: Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) from Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, 1986–1990 batch.
Post-Graduation: Higher studies at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, 1990–1992.
After completing his engineering education, Pandey cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joined the IPS in 1993.
UPSC Journey and Cadre Allocation
Service: Indian Police Service (IPS)
Batch: 1993
Cadre: West Bengal
Since his allotment, Pandey has served almost his entire career in the West Bengal cadre, barring central deputation, gaining deep familiarity with the state’s law-and-order, security, and intelligence framework.
Professional Career and Key Roles
Interim Director General of Police, West Bengal
Tenure: January 2026 – Present
Took charge following Rajeev Kumar’s retirement amid unresolved legal proceedings.
Director of Security, West Bengal
Immediately prior to becoming DGP, Pandey headed the Directorate of Security, overseeing VVIP protection, including the security of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
He was appointed to this role in 2022 following a security breach at the CM’s Kalighat residence.
Inspector General, Special Protection Group (SPG)
Served on central deputation with the elite SPG, responsible for the Prime Minister’s security.
He was IG (SPG) when Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014.
First Commissioner of Police, Chandannagar
In 2017, Pandey was appointed the founding Commissioner of Police of the newly created Chandannagar Police Commissionerate.
Additional Director General (ADG) Roles
Held several ADG-rank positions in different wings of the West Bengal Police after returning from central deputation.
District and city policing experience includes:
Superintendent of Police (SP), Burdwan district
Deputy Commissioner (Detective Department), Kolkata Police
Awards and Recognition
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, awarded on Republic Day 2017 during his tenure as IG, SPG.
Professional Reputation
Within policing circles, Peeyush Pandey is regarded as a low-profile yet highly efficient officer, known for his expertise in VVIP security, intelligence operations, and crisis management. His elevation to the top post comes at a politically sensitive time, with the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, and law-and-order expected to remain under close public and political scrutiny.
Significance of the Appointment
Pandey’s appointment as interim DGP is part of a broader reshuffle of senior IPS officers carried out by the state government. The move signals the government’s intent to maintain administrative continuity and assert control over policing matters despite ongoing institutional and legal challenges.
