The Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has initiated the process of selecting a new Director General of Police (DGP) as the current DGP, Mr. Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, a 1989-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer, is set to retire in January. Reports suggest that Mr. Rao is unlikely to receive an extension. He was appointed as the head of the state police force on June 20 after the TDP-led NDA government assumed office.
If seniority is the sole criterion, 10 DG-rank officers are eligible for the post, with Mr. Madireddy Pratap, a 1991-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer, and Mr. Harish Kumar Gupta, a 1992-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer, emerging as the frontrunners. However, some senior officers appear to be out of contention. Mr. PSR Anjaneyulu, a 1992-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer and former Intelligence Chief, is under suspension, while former DGP Mr. Kasireddy Rajendranath Reddy, also a 1992-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer, faced disciplinary action from the Election Commission of India in May due to security lapses during a public meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Other potential contenders face logistical hurdles. Mr. Anjani Kumar, a 1990-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer and previously the Telangana DGP, has yet to report to the Andhra Pradesh government. Additionally, officers like Mr. Nalin Prabhat, a 1992-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer, Dr. Mahesh Dixit, a 1993-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer, and Mr. Amit Garg, also a 1993-batch Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer, are currently on central deputation, making their recall unlikely.
Given these circumstances, Mr. Harish Kumar Gupta, presently serving as the Vigilance and Enforcement DG, emerges as the most probable choice for the next DGP. His appointment as DGP by the Election Commission during the elections bolsters his candidacy, and his strong rapport with BJP leaders at the Centre further strengthens his position. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Gupta’s connections with central leadership may play a pivotal role.
If appointed, Mr. Gupta’s tenure could potentially be extended by two years, as he is set to reach superannuation in just seven months. With limited options and DGP Tirumala Rao’s extension unlikely, the state government is expected to finalize Officer Gupta as the next DGP.
