The Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its crackdown on the codeine-laced cough syrup smuggling racket, forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the growing nexus behind illegal production, distribution and interstate trafficking. The SIT was officially constituted on 9 December 2025, following an order issued by Home Secretary IPS Mohit Gupta.
Heading the SIT is Inspector General (IG) LR Kumar, a trusted and senior IPS officer known for his decisive handling of sensitive law-and-order situations in Uttar Pradesh.
SIT Constituted in Codeine Cough Syrup Case
The newly formed SIT includes senior officers from:
- Special Task Force (STF)
- Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA)
- Uttar Pradesh Police
The responsibility of leading this high-stakes investigation has been given to IG LR Kumar, reflecting the state government’s confidence in his expertise and experience.
The Yogi Adityanath government has already made several arrests in this case, and the SIT is expected to examine supply chains, manufacturing units, transport routes, and political or administrative links, if any, associated with the racket.
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Who Is IPS LR Kumar?
IPS LR Kumar is a 2006-batch Indian Police Service officer belonging to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Known for his clean service record and calm but firm policing style, he is considered one of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s most trusted officers.
Early Life and Education
- Date of Birth: 20 October 1977
- Birthplace: Marthandam, Tamil Nadu
- Father’s Name: R. Jayakumar
- Education: M.Sc. in Economics
Despite hailing from Tamil Nadu, Kumar has spent the majority of his professional career managing critical law-and-order challenges in Uttar Pradesh.
Career Growth: From SP to IG Law and Order
LR Kumar has held multiple important posts during his nearly two-decade-long policing career.
Key Milestones in His Career
- 2006: Joined the IPS
- 2014: Went on Central Deputation
- 2018: Returned to Uttar Pradesh and became SP Sitapur
- 2020: Promoted to DIG rank
- 2022: Served as DIG Vigilance, Lucknow; also temporarily appointed SSP Ghaziabad after SSP Pawan Kumar’s suspension
- 2024: Promoted to Inspector General (IG)
- 2024 (January 30): Appointed IG, Law and Order, Uttar Pradesh
He has served in several key districts, including Sitapur, Balrampur, Lalitpur, and Firozabad, and has also worked with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for about four years as SP.
Nearly Two Years as IG Law & Order
LR Kumar has been handling the crucial post of Inspector General (Law & Order) for nearly 23 months at the DGP Headquarters. This position is one of the most significant in the state’s policing structure, directly impacting the state’s internal security, riot management, and crime control framework.
Under Yogi Adityanath’s administration, maintaining strict law and order has been a top priority, and LR Kumar’s role has been central to several major operations and crisis management situations.
Why He Was Chosen to Lead the SIT
- Proven track record in high-profile investigations
- Known for his integrity, discipline, and non-political approach
- Experience with NIA, Vigilance, Law & Order, and district policing
- Close coordination with state leadership and senior police hierarchy
His selection signals the government’s intent to conduct a transparent, thorough, and uncompromising investigation into the codeine smuggling network.
