Kolkata’s administrative circles are buzzing with anticipation as the West Bengal government has forwarded a list of eight senior IPS officers to the central government for the crucial position of the next Director General of Police (DGP). This move comes at a critical juncture, with incumbent acting DGP Rajeev Kumar set to retire on January 31.
Government sources confirmed that the panel was dispatched to Delhi on January 21. Prominent names on the list include Rajeev Kumar himself, alongside Ranvir Kumar, Debashish Roy, Anuj Sharma, Jagmohan, N. Ramesh Babu, and Siddhinath Gupta. The process adheres to established protocols where the state submits a roster of eligible senior officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which then shortlists three candidates for the state’s final approval.
The inclusion of Rajeev Kumar, a veteran of West Bengal’s police force, stems from administrative necessities following the retirement of previous DGP Manoj Malaviya in December 2023. However, officials emphasize that his presence on the list does not guarantee reappointment.
Whispers from informed quarters highlight Piyush Pandey, Rajesh Kumar, and Ranvir Kumar as frontrunners. Pandey, a former SPG officer, currently heads Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s security detail, adding significant weight to his candidacy. Yet, the final trio remains fluid.
This marks the second attempt by the state to furnish the list. An earlier submission on December 27, 2023, was returned by UPSC due to procedural errors. Regulations mandated submission at least three months prior to Malaviya’s retirement, ideally by September 2023—a deadline sorely missed.
Complicating matters, IPS officer Rajesh Kumar approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), alleging wrongful exclusion despite meeting all criteria. The tribunal directed the state to resubmit the list by January 23 and instructed UPSC to convene its committee by January 28. The commission is expected to return three names by January 29, paving the way for a swift decision amid mounting pressures.
As West Bengal navigates political turbulence and security challenges, the choice of the next DGP will be pivotal in shaping the state’s law enforcement landscape. Stakeholders await the UPSC’s verdict with bated breath.