New Delhi: Days before his scheduled superannuation, the Union government on Monday (April 27) issued an order, extending the service of West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Siddh Nath Gupta by six months, reported Press Trust of India.On March 16, Gupta, an Indian Police Service (IPS) of the 1992 batch was appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as the DG and IGP of the state, a day after it had removed incumbent DGP Peeyush Pandey. Gupta is scheduled to retire on April 30.The EC had said that the decision to remove the officers was taken after 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,” said the order issued on Monday.The first phase of the assembly polls in West Bengal 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.