Darjeeling, West Bengal – IPS officer Pratiksha Jharkhariya has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police (SP) for Darjeeling district, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the region’s history.
The appointment is part of a major reshuffle in West Bengal’s IPS cadre, announced on January 31, 2026, involving the transfer of 22 officers across various districts and units. Jharkhariya, previously serving as SP of Barasat in North 24 Parganas, replaces the outgoing officer in this key posting.
This historic move has been met with optimism from local communities, who hope her leadership will bring fresh perspectives to law enforcement in the hills. Social media posts and local announcements have celebrated the milestone, noting her as a trailblazer for women in policing.
The reshuffle also includes other notable changes, such as Dipak Sarkar moving from Kolkata Police DC North to DC South, and Priyabrata Roy taking over as Barasat SP. The West Bengal government has not provided specific reasons for the transfers, but such moves are common to ensure administrative efficiency.
Jharkhariya’s term in Darjeeling comes at a time of ongoing regional issues, including border security and community relations.
