One of his most notable tenures was in Jaunpur, where he conducted 136 encounters in just 22 months as SP—considered one of the highest figures for a district posting
Currently, Ajay Pal Sharma is posted as Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) in Prayagraj. (News18)
Who is Ajay Pal Sharma, the ‘encounter specialist’ in action in West Bengal? The Uttar Pradesh-cadre IPS officer, known for his tough policing style, has been appointed as a police observer in West Bengal by the Election Commission of India ahead of the second phase of assembly elections. Soon after his deployment, Sharma landed in a controversy for issuing a strong warning to Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan over allegations of voter intimidation.
A video from South 24 Parganas shows Sharma warning that strict action will be taken if voters are threatened. The move came after complaints that Khan’s supporters were allegedly intimidating locals. Acting on the complaint, Sharma reached the spot and led a joint team of SSB, FST, and QRT to conduct a search operation.
Khan, considered close to TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee, is contesting from the Falta assembly seat. According to reports, when Sharma arrived in the area, locals were initially reluctant to reveal the address of Khan’s residence, indicating fear among residents. His team eventually located the house after a search.
During the inspection, Sharma also flagged irregularities in security deployment. While Khan is entitled to Y-category security with 10 personnel, 14 police personnel were found deployed at his residence. Taking a strict stance, Sharma issued a notice to the local SP, seeking an explanation for the excess deployment.
The incident has triggered sharp political reactions. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused Sharma of acting as a “BJP agent” and said such actions would be investigated in the future. He also described such conduct as harmful to democratic processes and asserted that “those acting against democracy will not be spared”.
Meanwhile, TMC leaders criticised him, calling him a “notorious Singham” and remarking that “this is Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh”.
From Dentist To ‘Encounter Specialist’
Sharma’s journey is unconventional. A trained dental surgeon from Government Medical College, Patiala, he joined the Indian Police Service in 2011. Over the years, he earned the tag of an “encounter specialist”, having been involved in more than 500 police encounters. Around 15 accused were killed in these operations, while many others were arrested.
One of his most notable tenures was in Jaunpur, where he conducted 136 encounters in just 22 months as SP—considered one of the highest figures for a district posting. He has also served as SP/SSP in Hathras, Shamli, Rampur, and Jaunpur, and held key assignments in Prayagraj, including during the Kumbh Mela.
Currently, Sharma is posted as Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) in Prayagraj.
Sharma’s career has also seen its share of controversies. In 2020, he was removed as Rampur SP following allegations of irregularities in postings. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) later recommended a vigilance inquiry.
He also faced personal allegations when a woman accused him of cheating on the pretext of marriage, leading to an FIR being registered in Lucknow. Although he later received a clean chit, the controversy affected his career progression for some time.
West Bengal will vote in the second phase on April 29 across 142 seats, including Kolkata. The Election Commission has deployed 11 new police observers, including Sharma, to ensure free and fair polling.
April 28, 2026, 13:12 IST
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