Lucknow: With current Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar set to retire on May 31, the race to appoint the next top cop of Uttar Pradesh has intensified. Several senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers are in contention, and deliberations within the state government are underway to finalize the successor. As of now, there are no indications of an extension for Kumar, making the appointment of a new DGP imminent.
Key Contenders:
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Rajeev Krishna (1991 Batch)
Currently serving as the Chairman of the UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board and Director, Vigilance, Krishna is considered a strong contender. With four years remaining until retirement, his experience and tenure make him a viable long-term choice. -
Daljit Singh Chaudhary
Presently posted as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Chaudhary has more than six months of service left. His leadership at the central level adds weight to his candidature.
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Alok Sharma
Commanding the Special Protection Group (SPG), Sharma also has over six months left before retirement. Known for his sharp administrative skills, he is seen as a steady hand for the top police post. -
M.K. Basal (1990 Batch)
A senior officer from the 1990 batch, Basal is included in the seniority list and remains a notable name in the discussion.
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Tilottama Verma
Currently serving as Director General, Training, Verma stands out as a potential history-maker. If appointed, she would become the first woman DGP of Uttar Pradesh. With a rich background, including a long tenure in the CBI, she brings immense experience to the table. -
Aditya Mishra, Sandeep Talukdar, and Renuka Mishra
These officers also feature prominently in the seniority list and are being considered in the ongoing internal evaluations.
What Lies Ahead:
With just a few weeks left before the retirement of DGP Prashant Kumar, the state government is expected to make a formal announcement soon. The choice will likely hinge on seniority, administrative experience, and alignment with the state’s policing priorities.
The new DGP will take charge at a crucial time, as Uttar Pradesh continues to focus on strengthening law and order, modernizing its police force, and enhancing public trust in law enforcement.
