Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set for a change in its top police leadership as Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur (Y.B.) Khurania (IPS:1990) is scheduled to retire on August 16, 2026, after completing a two-year tenure as the Head of the Odisha Police Force (HoPF). With his retirement now formally approved by the state government, the process of selecting the next police chief has gained momentum.
Among the senior IPS officers under consideration, Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi (IPS:1990) and R.P. Koche (IPS:1993)have emerged as the leading contenders to head the Odisha Police.
Home Department Clears Khurania’s Retirement
The Odisha Home Department has officially approved Khurania’s retirement with effect from August 16, 2026 (Afternoon).
According to the official notification:
“Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, IPS (RR-1990), Director General of Police, Odisha (HoPF), is allowed to retire from Government service with effect from 16.08.2026 (AN) on completion of his service period.”
Following the notification, the Odisha Police Headquarters has reportedly forwarded a panel of eligible Director General-rank IPS officers to the State Government. The panel will subsequently be sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which will prepare the final panel for appointment of the next DGP.
Y.B. Khurania’s Distinguished Career
Y.B. Khurania took charge as Odisha DGP on August 16, 2024, after returning from Central deputation where he served as Special Director General, Border Security Force (BSF).
A 1990-batch IPS officer, Mr Khurania has served the Odisha Police for over three decades. During his career, he held several important field and leadership assignments, including:
- Superintendent of Police in Nayagarh, Jajpur, Rourkela, Mayurbhanj and Ganjam.
- Deputy Inspector General of Southern and Northern Ranges.
- Additional Commissioner of Police.
- Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate.
- Director-cum-Inspector General, Biju Patnaik State Police Academy (BPSPA).
During his BSF tenure, he also served as Special DG (Operations) and later Special DG, Western Command, strengthening India’s border management capabilities.
UPSC to Decide Odisha’s Next Police Chief
As per the established procedure laid down by the Supreme Court, the State Government will forward a panel of eligible senior IPS officers to the UPSC, which will recommend a shortlist from which the next Director General of Police will be appointed.
With Khurania’s retirement only weeks away, attention has now shifted to the officers competing for the state’s top policing assignment.
Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi: Veteran Officer With Strong Public Policing Credentials
One of the strongest contenders is Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, a 1990-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer who currently serves as Director General of Fire Services, Commandant General of Home Guards and Director of Civil Defence.
Widely regarded as an efficient and technology-driven police officer, Sarangi has played a key role in modernising policing and emergency response systems in Odisha.
Educational Background
Born in Dhenkanal, Odisha, Sarangi is among the most academically accomplished IPS officers in the country.
He completed his graduation in Political Science from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, and later earned:
- M.A.
- M.Phil.
- M.Sc. in Investigative Psychology.
- Ph.D. in Psychology from Liverpool University, United Kingdom.
Known for his academic excellence, he reportedly won more than 100 debate and essay competitions during his school years.
Major Assignments
During his three-and-a-half-decade career, Sarangi has held several high-profile assignments:
- Police Commissioner, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate (2019–2021), where he earned public appreciation for leading Covid-19 enforcement and citizen assistance initiatives.
- Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Odisha State Police Housing & Welfare Corporation.
- Additional DGP (Railways & Coastal Security).
- Director General of Fire Services, Home Guards & Civil Defence since May 2023.
His recent empanelment by the Centre for DG-level posts has further strengthened his prospects in the race for Odisha DGP.
R.P. Koche: Intelligence Expert With Decorated Service Record
Another leading contender is Mr Koche, a 1993-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, who currently serves as Director General of Police-cum-Director of Intelligence.
Born on August 1, 1968, he hails from Amravati, Maharashtra, and holds a Master’s degree in International Politics.
Career Highlights
Mr Koche joined the IPS in September 1993 through direct recruitment and has held several important policing assignments, including:
- Additional Director General of Police, Special Armed Police.
- Director of Intelligence since April 2022.
- Promoted to DGP rank in January 2025.
- Empanelled by the Central Government for DG and equivalent posts.
His long experience in intelligence and internal security makes him a strong candidate for Odisha’s top policing role.
Decorations and Awards
During his distinguished career, IPS Koche has received several prestigious honours, including:
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2020)
- Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak (2018)
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2009)
Decision Expected After UPSC Panel
The final appointment will be made after the UPSC recommends a panel of eligible officers to the Odisha Government.
With Y.B. Khurania demitting office on August 16, the coming weeks are expected to witness intense administrative activity before the state gets its next Director General of Police.
The selection assumes added significance as the new DGP will lead Odisha Police through key law-and-order, intelligence, cyber security and public safety challenges in the coming years.
