Ranchi: Jharkhand’s Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta, an IPS officer of 1990 batch, has resigned from his post, bringing an eventful and controversy-marked tenure to an end. Official sources confirmed that the state government has accepted his resignation, and the process to appoint a new DGP has already begun.
According to senior officials, three IPS officers – Prashant Singh, MS Bhatia, and Anil Palta – are being considered for the top post.
- Prashant Singh, a 1992-batch IPS officer, is currently serving as Director General of Police (Headquarters).
- MS Bhatia, a 1993-batch officer, heads the Fire Services Department.
- Anil Palta, from the 1990 batch, is also among the frontrunners.
Speculation Ends After Days of Rumors
Rumors of Mr Gupta’s resignation surfaced late Tuesday night, though officials initially refrained from commenting.
The reason behind his decision to step down has not been officially disclosed. Despite repeated attempts, Anurag Gupta did not respond to media calls seeking his reaction.
From Acting DGP to Regular Appointment
Anurag Gupta was first appointed acting DGP in July 2024. However, during the Assembly elections that year, the Election Commission removed him from the post, appointing Ajay Kumar Singh as DGP in his place.
After the formation of the new government, Gupta was reinstated as DGP on November 28, 2024.
Subsequently, the state government amended service rules in January 2025, and on February 3, his appointment was regularized for a two-year term.
Tenure Marked by Controversy
Anurag Gupta’s tenure remained under scrutiny due to the controversial nature of his appointment and extension.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) reportedly did not consider him among the eligible names for DGP, and his reinstatement after removal by the Election Commission drew sharp criticism from opposition parties.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had repeatedly questioned the extension of his tenure.
The state government’s request for approval from the Union Home Ministry was reportedly rejected, prompting BJP leader Babulal Marandi to challenge the matter legally – from the Jharkhand High Court to the Supreme Court.
Political Reactions
Reacting to the resignation, BJP MLA C.P. Singh told reporters that the decision was “better late than never.” He alleged irregularities in the DGP’s tenure and remarked that the resignation came “after much embarrassment.”
Mr Singh also accused the post of being entangled in corruption and claimed that “some deal might have fallen through,” while expressing hope that “justice would prevail.”
New DGP Likely Soon
Sources indicate that Prashant Singh and MS Bhatia are the leading contenders for the DGP position.
A formal announcement is expected soon after the Home Department completes due procedural clearances.
