Who is UP's ‘encounter specialist’ IPS Ajay Sharma, whose deployment in Bengal caused stir
Ajay Pal Sharma, an IPS officer known as Uttar Pradesh's 'encounter specialist', has been deployed as a police observer in West Bengal amid ongoing state assembly elections. His deployment has sparked controversy, with accusations from the Trinamool Congress that it is an attempt by the BJP to intimidate voters. Supporters of the BJP, however, argue that Sharma's presence is intended to ensure free and fair voting.
- ▪Ajay Pal Sharma is a 2011 batch IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh's cadre.
- ▪His reputation as an 'encounter specialist' stems from his involvement in key security operations in Uttar Pradesh.
- ▪The deployment has led to a political row between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
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Who is UP's ‘encounter specialist’ IPS Ajay Sharma, whose deployment in Bengal caused stirHe was born in October 1985 in Punjab's Ludhiana and is known for his tough policing style.Updated on: Apr 28, 2026 8:54 PM ISTBy HT News DeskShare viaCopy link As if the ongoing state assembly elections in West Bengal were falling short of controversies, a new row erupted over the Election Commission's deployment of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, popularly known as Uttar Pradesh's ‘encounter specialist’, as police observer for South 24 Parganas district.Ajay Pal Sharma's role in several key security operation during his several postings across Uttar Pradesh earned him the reputation of “encounter specialist”.
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