Atul takes over as new UP DGP, says poll biggest challenge

Atul, a 1976 batch Indian Police Service officer, on Sunday took over as Uttar Pradesh the director general of police replacing Brij Lal who was transferred on the directions of the Election Commission. Soon after assuming charge, Atul said the most important task before the police department was to ensure free and fair election in the state.

"It has to be ensured that the election is free and fair, the law and order is maintained and all those participating in the poll process get a level-playing field," he told reporters in Lucknow. "This is the biggest challenge before us," the new DGP said.

On Saturday, the Election Commission transferred Brij Lal and Principal Secretary (home) Kunwar Fateh Bahadur after major opposition parties accused the two officers of working as agents of the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party.