Hyderabad/New Delhi: With Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Anjani Kumar Jitender (IPS:1992:TG) set to retire on September 30, the focus has sharply turned to who will succeed him in the state’s top police post. According to reliable sources, the contest has effectively narrowed to two senior IPS officers: C V Anand (IPS:1991:TG), Commissioner of Hyderabad City Police, and B Shivadhar Reddy (IPS:1994:TG), the state’s Intelligence chief.
The buzz within Telangana’s administrative and political circles suggests that the government is already informally weighing successors to Anand and Reddy – strongly indicating that both remain at the forefront of consideration.
CV Anand Slightly Ahead in the Race
Multiple insiders familiar with the developments indicate that CV Anand currently holds a slight edge over Shivadhar Reddy in the DGP race. Anand, a decorated officer known for his reforms in the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate, has held several high-profile postings, including Cyberabad Commissioner and Director of Civil Supplies.
His proactive leadership in urban policing and traffic management, particularly during sensitive law and order situations, has been widely appreciated.
Shivadhar Reddy Also a Strong Contender
B Shivadhar Reddy, currently heading the state Intelligence wing, is also seen as a strong candidate. A 1994-batch IPS officer, he has had an extensive career spanning intelligence, law & order, and policy-level policing. His deep rapport with the political leadership and discreet but effective handling of intelligence operations make him a serious contender for the top post.
Buzz Over Their Successors Indicates Their Lead
What makes their candidacy more apparent is that discussions have already begun over who might succeed them in their current posts if they are promoted to DGP.
If CV Anand Becomes DGP
Potential names being floated for the Hyderabad Police Commissioner position include –
- VC Sajjanar (IPS:1996:TG) – MD, TSRTC
- Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat (IPS:1995:TG) – ADGP, Law & Order
- Stephen Ravindra (IPS:1999:TG) – ADGP, Greyhounds
- DS Chauhan (IPS:1997:TG) – Principal Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies
- Y Nagi Reddy (IPS:1997:TG) – DG, Fire Services
If Shivadhar Reddy Becomes DGP
The Intelligence Chief role may then go to –
- Ramesh Masthipuram (IPS:2005:TG) – IG
- VC Sajjanar – whose name figures prominently for multiple roles
Other Names in the Fray – If Govt Chooses to Look Beyond the Top Two
If the government opts for seniority or a surprise choice, a few other senior IPS officers may also be considered –
- Shikha Goel (IPS:1994:TG) – Director, Cyber Security Bureau
- Sowmya Mishra (IPS:1994:TG) – DG, Prisons
- A Vinay Prabhakar (IPS:1994:TG) – on central deputation with the Intelligence Bureau
However, these names are considered outside possibilities at this stage. Sources assert that the active succession planning for Anand and Reddy strongly points to one of them taking over as Telangana’s next DGP.
Final Decision with the State Govt
While both officers are technically eligible and well-qualified, the final decision will rest with the political leadership in Telangana, which may also weigh political, regional, and performance considerations before announcing the new DGP.
