The Centre has extended the service of West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Siddh Nath Gupta by six months from his scheduled superannuation on April 30, an order issued on Monday said.

The Election Commission had appointed Gupta, an IPS officer of the 1992 batch, as the DG and IGP of the state on March 16, a day after removing incumbent Peeyush Pandey. Gupta is due to retire on April 30.

The EC had said the decision to remove the officers was taken following a review of poll preparedness in the state.

"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of Ministry of Home Affairs for grant of extension in Service of Shri Siddh Nath Gupta, IPS (WB:1992), DG & IGP, West Bengal for a period of 6 months beyond 30.04.2026 in relaxation of Rule 16(1) of AIS (DCRB) Rules, 1958 in public interest," the order issued on Monday said.

The first phase of the assembly polls was held in the state on April 23, while the voting for the second and final phase will take place on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.

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