India, April 28 -- The deployment of Ajay Pal Sharma, widely known as Uttar Pradesh's "encounter specialist," as police observer in West Bengal has triggered a fresh political controversy ahead of voting in the state assembly elections.

Sharma, a 2011-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is currently posted as Additional Commissioner of Police in Prayagraj. He has been assigned as police observer for South 24 Parganas district ahead of the second phase of polling.

Born in October 1985 in Ludhiana, Sharma initially pursued dentistry before joining the Indian Police Service. Over the years, he earned a reputation for his tough policing style during postings in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in high-profile security operations, which...