In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Bihar Government has transferred 18 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including Senior Superintendents and Superintendents of Police in key districts such as Patna, Purnia, Supaul, Jehanabad, Jamui, and Samastipur.
The decision, executed by the Home Department, reflects a strategic overhaul of law enforcement leadership across the state, particularly in response to deteriorating law and order in the capital.
Awakash Kumar Removed as Patna SSP After Spike in Crime
2012 batch IPS officer Awakash Kumar, who had been appointed as SSP of Patna on 28 December 2025, has been removed from the post within six months of his tenure. He has now been appointed as Commandant of Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP)-1, Patna. His removal comes amid growing criticism over a recent surge in criminal incidents, including a spate of murders and robberies in the capital.
Kartikeya K Sharma Named New SSP of Patna
Replacing Awakash Kumar, 2014 batch IPS officer Kartikeya K Sharma, the former SP of Purnia, has been entrusted with the high-profile role of SSP Patna. Sharma, an IIT Kharagpur graduate and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, joined the IPS after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Known for his academic brilliance and professionalism, Sharma’s appointment signals a bid to restore confidence in Patna’s policing.
Complete Overhaul in Patna Police Ranks
In addition to the SSP post, all three City SPs of Patna have also been reshuffled–
East Patna SP K Ramdas → Appointed Assistant Director-cum-SP, Bihar Police Academy, Rajgir
Central Patna SP Sweety Sahrawat → Appointed SP, Purnia
West Patna SP Sarath R S → Appointed SP, Supaul
Further, CID SP Chandrashekhar Prasad has been made SP (Law and Order), Patna, replacing internal roles within the capital’s policing system.
Statewide Transfers of IPS Officers
Other key transfers include–
Vineet Kumar, SP (Special Branch) → SP, Jehanabad
Arvind Pratap Singh, SP, Jehanabad → SP, Samastipur
Ashok Kumar Mishra, SP, Samastipur → SP, Special Branch
Shaishav Yadav, SP, Supaul → Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Modernization, Patna
Vishwajeet Dayal, City SP, Muzaffarpur → SP, Jamui
Vidya Sagar, Rural SP, Muzaffarpur → SP, ERSS (Dial-112)
Madan Kumar, SP, Jamui → SP, Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission
Pramod Kumar, Commandant, BSAP-1 → Given additional charge as STF SP and SP, CID
Background: Rising Crime Triggered SSP Awakash Kumar’s Transfer
The transfer of Awakash Kumar is widely attributed to rising crime rates in Patna, which had triggered public concern and political scrutiny. His inability to rein in the situation led to his removal before the completion of even half a year in office.
Who is Kartikeya K Sharma?
Born on 4 September 1988 in Ranchi, Kartikeya K Sharma completed his early education in the city before moving on to IIT Kharagpur for engineering. He later pursued a PGDM from IIM Ahmedabad. After cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam, he joined the Bihar cadre of the IPS, and is now recognized as a dynamic officer with both academic and administrative credentials.
