Thiruvananthapuram: The selection of Kerala’s next state police chief is gaining momentum, with high-stakes bureaucratic maneuvering and political considerations coming into sharp focus. The post will fall vacant on June 30, when DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb retires, and the list of contenders is now narrowing under unusual circumstances.
A notable development is the appointment of Ravada A Chandrasekhar (IPS:1991:KL), the second-most senior officer in the reckoning, as Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat. Currently serving as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Chandrasekhar will succeed Harinath Mishra (also a Kerala cadre IPS officer) on August 1.
Despite the prestige of the post, the central role does not come with the possibility of extension. In contrast, if Chandrasekhar returns as Kerala’s police chief, he would be eligible for a two-year fixed tenure, as mandated by a Supreme Court ruling ensuring stability in top police appointments.
Back to Kerala? It Depends on the Call
Sources within Kerala Police suggest Chandrasekhar is open to returning if he is selected as DGP. Should he choose to continue on central deputation, Manoj Abraham, currently Director of Vigilance, is expected to emerge as a strong contender for the three-member panel to be forwarded by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to the state government.
As per norms, the state may appoint any one of the shortlisted officers as the next DGP.
Other Contenders and the Political Undercurrent
The list of probables being evaluated includes–
- DGP Nitin Agrawal
- DGP Ravada A Chandrasekhar
- DGP Yogesh Gupta
- DGP Manoj Abraham
- ADGP S Suresh
- ADGP M R Ajith Kumar
Among them, Yogesh Gupta, the current Director General of Fire and Rescue Services, finds himself at a political crossroads. He had earlier served as Vigilance Director, where he allegedly recommended probes against politically linked institutions, triggering a fallout with the Chief Minister’s Office. The episode reportedly led to his transfer and subsequent sidelining.
While Yogesh has been seeking central deputation since April 24, his request remains pending with the state government – a delay that hampers his chances of central empanelment and may impact his DGP prospects as well.
What Happens Next?
The UPSC panel will play a decisive role, but the final appointment lies with the state government, which may take political and administrative considerations into account.
With the leadership of Kerala Police set to transition, the coming weeks will reveal whether experience, central connections, or political alignments shape the final decision.
