UP IPS Officer Warns Voter Intimidation in West Bengal's Falta Constituency

A video of Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma issuing a stern warning over alleged voter intimidation in West Bengal surfaced on social media on Monday, with less than 48 hours left for the second phase of polling. Sharma, posted as police observer in South 24 Parganas, acted after complaints that voters were being threatened in the Falta Assembly constituency.

Acting on the inputs, Sharma led a joint operation with SSB, Flying Surveillance Team, and Quick Reaction Team personnel to conduct inspections and raids in the area. In the viral clip, he is heard saying, "If people are being threatened repeatedly, we will take strict action. Don't complain later." In another video, Sharma is seen warning Jahangir Khan's family, saying, "Tell him, we'll deal properly with him if his men continue to threaten... don't cry or regret it then."

Ajay Pal Sharma, a 2011-batch IPS officer, is known for his aggressive policing style. A trained dental surgeon, he later joined the police service and has served in districts such as Jaunpur, Shamli, Rampur, and Hathras. Currently posted as ACP Law and Order in Prayagraj, he has led more than 500 police encounters, including 136 during his tenure as Jaunpur Superintendent of Police.

The warning was reportedly directed at supporters of Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan, who has been accused by locals of intimidation. Khan, considered close to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, has been at the centre of the controversy. Sources said Sharma faced resistance while trying to locate Khan's residence, as local residents and even police personnel were reluctant to provide details, allegedly due to fear. The location was eventually identified after a search.

During the visit, Sharma found irregularities in security arrangements. While Khan is entitled to Y-category security with 10 personnel, 14 policemen were found deployed at his residence. A notice was issued to the local Superintendent of Police seeking an explanation. The Election Commission has deployed 11 police observers, including Sharma, to ensure free and fair polling in the state.

Praising Sharma's action, BJP IT department head Amit Malviya described him as the "Singham of Uttar Pradesh" and said the officer "wasted no time in setting the tone, firmly reading the riot act to the family members of Abhishek Banerjee's close aide, Jehangir Khan." "The message is loud and clear: the era of intimidation and impunity is over. Law and order will prevail, and those attempting to influence the electoral process will be held accountable," Malviya said.

Opposition slams move, sharp exchanges online. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the BJP had deployed its "tested agents" as observers in West Bengal. "Such tactics will not work. Didi is there and will remain," he said in a post on X. He further claimed that these individuals were acting as "agents of BJP's agenda" and warned that "at the right time, there will be a deep investigation into their alleged criminal activities, and strict punitive action will follow."

The ruling Trinamool Congress also hit back. In a sharp response, TMC leader Mahua Moitra said, "My Fair & Lovely boy — we're the kind who can deal with both your 'small Fanta' and 'big Fanta.' So keep your heroics in check."