Bhubaneswar, April 29, 2026: Dr. Satyajit Naik, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Range, Cuttack, has been playing a key role in ensuring a peaceful and orderly election process as the Police Observer for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Appointed by the Election Commission of India, Dr. Naik's leadership has been instrumental in overseeing the security arrangements during the two-phase elections, held on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4.
In his capacity as Police Observer, Dr. Naik’s core responsibilities involve coordinating police force deployment, managing security operations, and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process across the state. His primary focus has been on the districts of Purba Bardhaman and Medinapur, where he has worked diligently to maintain a fair, transparent, and peaceful election environment.
This election season is particularly significant for West Bengal, where maintaining security and ensuring public trust are of utmost importance. Dr. Naik’s appointment is grounded in Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which places him under the direct supervision of the Election Commission throughout the election period.
A 2008-batch officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the Odisha cadre, Dr. Naik is known for his "People-Centric Policing" philosophy, which prioritizes community engagement, proactive law enforcement, and effective management of law-and-order situations. His extensive experience in handling election security across various states has proven invaluable in his current role in West Bengal.
He currently oversees critical districts such as Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Nayagarh, and Jajpur.
Professional Background:
Dr. Naik’s illustrious career spans several high-stakes roles, including:
His expertise ranges from counter-insurgency and communal violence to combating terrorism, cybercrime, narcotics, and enhancing community policing.
Awards and Recognitions:
Dr. Naik’s efforts in ensuring the security and transparency of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections have earned him admiration not only from the police community but also from the public and election authorities, positioning him as a crucial figure in ensuring the elections are conducted in a secure, fair, and transparent manner.
