New Delhi: In a significant administrative move ahead of the upcoming state elections, the Pinarayi Vijayan led Kerala government has reshuffled nine senior and mid-level IPS officers in what appears to be a calculated bureaucratic maneuver. The reshuffle includes the creation of two temporary ex-cadre posts, signaling a deeper strategy likely to unfold in the coming weeks.
According to sources, the new ex-cadre posts – Excise Commissioner (Level 15) and Inspector General & Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services (Level 14) – have been created for a period of one year, effective May 9, 2025. The reorganization is seen by insiders as a strategic step, possibly aimed at influencing administrative control during the poll season.
Key Transfers:
- Yogesh Gupta (IPS: 1993: KL), Director of the Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau, has been appointed as Director General, Fire & Rescue Services.
- Manoj Abraham (IPS: 1994: KL), who held that post, will now serve as Director, Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau.
- M R Ajithkumar (IPS: 1995: KL), formerly ADG of Armed Police Battalions, takes over as Excise Commissioner, a newly created ex-cadre post.
- Balram Kumar Upadhyay (IPS: 1997: KL), DG of Prisons and Correctional Services, has been moved to Director, Kerala Police Academy (KEPA).
- Mahipal Yadav (IPS: 1997: KL), Excise Commissioner, has been posted as Additional DG of Police, Crimes.
- G Sparjan Kumar (IPS: 2002: KL), IG, Intelligence, has been appointed IG, Crimes I, Thiruvananthapuram.
- P Prakash (IPS: 2004: KL), IG, Crimes III, Kozhikode, has been posted as IG, Coastal Police.
- K Sethu Raman (IPS: 2004: KL), formerly Director of KEPA, now assumes charge as IG and DG of Prisons & Correctional Services, occupying the second newly created ex-cadre post.
- A Akbar (IPS: 2005: KL), IG, Crimes II, Kochi, has been named IG, Internal Security.
The shake-up, while routine in appearance, is being read by political and administrative observers as a deliberate attempt to fine-tune the law and order machinery in the run-up to the elections. The strategic placement of officers in key positions, including in vigilance, excise, and internal security, suggests the government is tightening control in crucial departments.
