Just two days before the conclusion of the voting in West Bengal, IPS officer from Uttar Pradesh, Ajay Pal Sharma, joined duty as Police Observer of South 24 Parganas, and was seen issuing a stern warning, especially to TMC candidate from Falta, Jahangir Khan.

In a video clip, which has gone viral, Sharma, flanked by gun-wielding Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel, is purportedly seen approaching Khan’s residence, and saying: “Acchi tarah se samajh le ki agar kisi ne badmashi kari, toh uska kayde se ilaz kiya jaayega.

“Listen carefully. If there is any mischief, the treatment will be such that crying won’t help.”

“Jahangir’s family members are here. I am telling them—I hear his men are going around threatening people. Tell him that if this continues, I will take note of everything. I will take such an action that even weeping won’t save him later,” Sharma is purportedly heard saying.

To ensure peaceful polling in the second phase, the Election Commission has appointed 11 new Police Observers. South 24 Parganas has received the highest allocation with three observers, including Ajay Pal Sharma.

Currently posted as Additional CP (Law & Order) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Sharma is considered a favourite of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Questioning his deployment as Police Observer in West Bengal, the TMC on Monday said, “Yogi Adityanath’s encounter specialist Ajay Pal Sharma has just been parachuted by the Election Commission as Police Observer for South 24 Parganas. This is the same man whose badge of honour is a body count from “encounters” and whose real speciality is turning the police uniform into a personal ATM and a tool for personal vendettas.”

Meanwhile, Khan accused the police and Sharma of acting on behalf of the BJP. “They are trying to incite unrest. It won’t work. The BJP will lose deposit here,” the TMC candidate said.

The BJP, however, is yet to comment on Sharma’s viral video.