Gandhinagar: In a significant administrative development, the Gujarat government on Wednesday appointed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Dr. K. Laxmi Narayan Rao (IPS:1992:GJ) as the interim Director General of Police (DGP) of the state. The appointment comes following the conclusion of the extended tenure of incumbent DGP Vikas Sahay (IPS:1989:GJ), which ended on December 31, 2025.
Dr Rao, who is currently serving as Director General of CID (Crime), has been given additional charge of the state police chief’s post. He will continue to hold his existing responsibilities along with the new assignment.
End of Vikas Sahay’s Extended Tenure
Outgoing DGP Vikas Sahay was originally due to retire on June 30, 2025, but had been granted a six-month extension by the state government. That extension formally ended on December 31, 2025, necessitating a change in leadership at the top of the Gujarat Police.
A farewell was accorded to Sahay by senior officers through video conferencing, marking the end of his long policing career.
Formal Charge Assumption at Police Bhavan
Dr Rao formally assumed charge as interim DGP during a ceremony held at Police Bhavan, Gandhinagar, where Vikas Sahay handed over charge. The appointment was made at the final hours of Sahay’s retirement, bringing an end to prolonged speculation over who would lead the state police force next.
Interim, Not Permanent Appointment
Importantly, Dr Rao has been appointed as in-charge (interim) DGP, not as the permanent state police chief. The government has not yet announced a regular DGP, despite Dr Rao having nearly 22 months of service remaining before his retirement in October 2027.
This decision has sparked discussions within police circles, as officers with substantial remaining tenure are often considered for full appointments rather than interim roles.
Seniority and the DGP Selection Context
In terms of cadre seniority, Dr Shamsher Singh (IPS:1991:GJ) is the only officer senior to Dr Rao in the Gujarat cadre. However, Singh is currently on central deputation with the Border Security Force (BSF) and is due to retire in March 2026, making him unavailable for immediate consideration.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik was also considered a contender for the top post. However, with no final decision on a permanent DGP, the state government opted to appoint the senior-most available officer, leading to Dr Rao’s selection as interim DGP.
About Dr. K. Laxmi Narayan Rao
Personal and Academic Background
Dr. Rao was born on October 26, 1967, in Tenali, Telangana. Known for his exceptional academic credentials, he holds –
- An M.Sc.
- A Ph.D. from PUSA – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- A Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) from IIM Bangalore
Notably, he is believed to be the first IPS officer in India to join the service with a Ph.D., entering the IPS at the age of 24. He was inducted into the service in February 1993.
A Career Spanning Over Three Decades
An officer of the 1992 IPS batch, Dr Rao has served for over 30 years in a wide range of operational and administrative roles across Gujarat. His field and leadership assignments include:
- District Superintendent of Police (SP) in Himmatnagar, Kheda, and Mehsana
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Rajkot Range
- Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad
- Head of Gujarat Prisons for an extended period
- DGP, CID (Crime and Railways) – current position
His extensive policing experience across districts, ranges, and specialised wings has made him one of the most seasoned officers in the Gujarat cadre.
Long Association With Prison Reforms
Dr Rao is particularly well known for his long tenure in Gujarat’s prisons administration, where he served as ADGP/IG (Prisons) from 2019 and was promoted to the rank of DGP in April 2024.
His work in prison reforms earned him the nickname “Bhisma Pitamaha” within administrative circles. He has also authored a book titled “Jail: History and Present”, documenting prison systems and reform-oriented approaches.
Responsibilities as Interim DGP
As interim DGP, Dr Rao will –
- Lead the Gujarat Police as the state police chief
- Continue handling CID (Crime and Railways)
- Focus on crime control, internal discipline, and public trust in policing
Upon assuming charge, he emphasised the need to strengthen people’s confidence in the police force while maintaining law and order across the state.
Looking Ahead
While neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Haryana have already appointed permanent DGPs ahead of 2026, Gujarat has chosen a more cautious route by naming an interim police chief.
With nearly two years of service remaining, it remains to be seen whether Dr Rao will continue as in-charge DGP or be formally appointed as the permanent Director General of Police in the coming months.
