Kanpur: The Union government has formally requested the Uttar Pradesh government to relieve IPS officer Akhil Kumar (1994 batch) from his current post as Kanpur Commissioner of Police (CP), directing him to join his new central role. This request follows his appointment as the Managing Director/CEO of Digital India Corporation, an arm of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. However, despite the centre’s request, sources indicate that the state government may take up to a week to release the officer from his duties amid ongoing legal matters linked to his actions in Kanpur.
Akhil Kumar’s Appointment and Legal Complications
Akhil Kumar, a 1994-batch IPS officer from the UP cadre, was recently assigned a new role at the central government as part of the Digital India initiative. The Union government’s notification, which was issued almost five days ago, appointed him to the role of Managing Director/CEO of Digital India Corporation at the rank of Additional Secretary. This move was confirmed through a letter sent by Under Secretary Sanjeev Kumar on August 29, 2025, urging Uttar Pradesh to relieve Kumar promptly so that he can assume his new responsibilities.
The letter was addressed to Uttar Pradesh’s Acting Chief Secretary, Deepak Kumar, and the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rajeev Krishna, among other officials. Despite this official reminder, sources have indicated that the UP government is likely to delay his transfer for over a week, citing the need to conclude certain legal proceedings in Kanpur, particularly in relation to a high-profile case involving a local lawyer.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings in Kanpur
Akhil Kumar has been embroiled in a controversy involving a Kanpur-based lawyer, Akhilesh Dubey, who was arrested on August 8 for allegedly extorting money by filing false rape cases. The investigation revealed that Dubey had ties to several police officials, employees of the Kanpur Development Authority (KDA), and other influential individuals in the region.
The Kanpur CP’s swift action against Dubey and his accomplices, including Lovee Mishra, has drawn mixed reactions. While some have lauded Kumar’s efforts to curb corruption and expose the nexus between lawyers, journalists, and police officers in the region, others – including Dubey’s supporters – have been critical of his methods. This has led to a political and legal tug-of-war, with various parties attempting to influence Kumar’s future.
Political and Legal Lobbying Around Akhil Kumar’s Position
According to sources within the Uttar Pradesh government, Akhilesh Dubey’s supporters, which include a powerful lobby of police officers, lawyers, Kanpur-based journalists, and even a retired bureaucrat, have been working behind the scenes to oust Kumar from his position. Their efforts have intensified since Kumar’s crackdown on the long-standing nexus of corruption and misconduct between the local police and other influential individuals in the region.
The investigation into Akhilesh Dubey’s activities has sparked further controversy, with BJP leader Ravi Satija filing a complaint against Police Inspector Ashish Dwivedi. Satija accused Dwivedi of taking him to Dubey after he went to report a false rape case to the Kanpur CP. In response, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has issued notices to the involved officials, urging them to explain their actions.
Akhil Kumar’s Previous Actions and Legacy in Kanpur
Before the current controversy, Akhil Kumar had already established a reputation for taking a tough stance on corruption in Kanpur. Earlier this year, he had initiated action against another Kanpur-based journalist accused of extorting money from local businessmen and builders. Kumar’s tenure as Kanpur CP has been marked by his efforts to clean up corruption in both the police force and the local community, but his approach has alienated some influential figures.
State Government’s Position on the Delay
Despite the central government’s push for a swift transfer, sources suggest that the Uttar Pradesh government may take up to a week to relieve Akhil Kumar from his duties in Kanpur. The delay is largely attributed to ongoing legal proceedings, particularly the investigation into Akhilesh Dubey and his associates. Authorities in Uttar Pradesh are keen on ensuring that these matters are resolved before Kumar’s transfer to the central government, in part to maintain control over the sensitive investigation.
What Lies Ahead for Akhil Kumar?
As of now, Akhil Kumar’s fate in Kanpur remains uncertain. His transfer to the central government has been delayed due to legal entanglements, and his ongoing battle with influential groups in the region adds further complexity to the situation. However, with his reputation as a no-nonsense officer who is unafraid to challenge corrupt practices, it remains to be seen whether he will continue to push through his mission of reform or be sidelined by political and legal pressures.
Read also: From Encounter Specialist to Digital India CEO: IPS Akhil Kumar’s Remarkable Journey
