Politics – Former Kolkata Police Chiefs Enter Rival Political Arenas
Politics – Two former leaders of Kolkata’s police force have stepped into active politics, choosing rival platforms ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal.
The shift highlights a growing trend of senior law enforcement officials moving into legislative roles, bringing administrative experience into the political domain. This development has drawn attention as both individuals once held some of the most influential policing positions in the state.
BJP Fields Former Police Commissioner in Jagaddal
Rajesh Kumar, a retired Indian Police Service officer, has been selected by the Bharatiya Janata Party as its candidate from the Jagaddal constituency in North 24 Parganas. His entry into electoral politics comes at a time when parties are increasingly looking for candidates with governance and administrative backgrounds.
Rajesh Kumar had previously been appointed as Kolkata Police commissioner by the Election Commission in 2019, just ahead of the general elections. Over the course of his career, he held several important posts, including heading the Criminal Investigation Department and serving as director-general for Traffic and Road Safety.
As the 41st commissioner of Kolkata Police, he was involved in overseeing key law enforcement operations in the city. His experience is expected to play a role in shaping his political campaign, particularly on issues related to governance and public safety.
Rajya Sabha Entry for Another Former Police Chief
In a parallel development, Rajeev Kumar, another former Kolkata Police commissioner, has taken a different political path. He was recently elected to the Rajya Sabha as a representative of the Trinamool Congress.
Rajeev Kumar concluded his tenure as West Bengal’s director-general of police on January 31, 2026, marking the end of a long and prominent career in the police service. His professional journey included several senior assignments such as deputy commissioner (central), joint commissioner of the Special Task Force, and additional director-general of the CID.
He was also closely associated with the establishment of the Special Task Force in 2008, where he served as its first joint commissioner. His tenure in various roles placed him at the center of several high-profile investigations and administrative decisions.
Past Controversies and Public Attention
Rajeev Kumar had previously come under national scrutiny during an investigation related to the Saradha chit fund case. In 2019, the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted a search at his residence as part of the probe. He was later questioned by investigators for an extended period in Meghalaya.
Despite the controversy, he continued to hold key positions in the state police and eventually rose to become the director-general of police. His administrative record and experience have been cited by supporters as strengths in his transition to parliamentary politics.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier publicly praised him, describing him as an outstanding officer. Such endorsements have contributed to his political positioning within the state.
Personal Equations and Political Divergence
Interestingly, Rajesh Kumar and Rajeev Kumar are believed to share a close professional and personal rapport. Reports suggest that both officers retired from service on the same day, marking a shared milestone in their careers.
However, their political journeys have now taken them in different directions, aligning with opposing parties in a competitive political landscape. Their parallel transitions from policing to politics underscore the evolving nature of public service careers in India.
As the state prepares for elections, their candidacies are likely to draw attention not only because of their administrative backgrounds but also due to their past association with Kolkata Police. Observers will be watching closely to see how their experience in law enforcement influences their political approach and public engagement.