Thiruvananthapuram: The 1991 batch Senior IPS officer of Kerala cadre, Mr RA Chandrasekhar is likely to be appointed as the next Director General of Police (DGP) of Kerala, as the current DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb, an IPS officer of 1990 batch, is set to retire on June 30.
Currently serving on central deputation as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, IPS Chandrasekhar was recently appointed as Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat. However, his repatriation to Kerala cadre is now being prioritized to enable him to assume leadership of the state police force.
UPSC Submits Final Panel of Three Eligible Officers
In a key development, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has submitted a final panel of three IPS officers to the Kerala government for selection as the next Head of Police Force (HoPF). The list includes:
- RA Chandrasekhar (IPS:1991:KL) – Special Director, Intelligence Bureau
- Nitin Agarwal (IPS:1989:KL) – Road Safety Commissioner, Kerala
- Yogesh Gupta (IPS:1993:KL) – Director General, Fire and Rescue Services, Kerala
All three officers are of DGP rank and meet the eligibility criteria of having at least 30 years of service and having served in key leadership roles.
Read Also: Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb to Retire in June; Search for Successor Begins
Earlier State List Trimmed After Centre Flags Eligibility Concerns
The state government had initially forwarded a six-member list, which included three additional officers:
- Manoj Abraham (IPS:1994:KL) – Director, Vigilance
- S Suresh (IPS:1995:KL) – ADG, Special Protection Group (on central deputation)
- MR Ajith Kumar (IPS:1995:KL) – Excise Commissioner, Kerala (ex-cadre post)
However, Suresh and Ajith Kumar were dropped from consideration by UPSC as they do not hold the DGP rank or fulfill the minimum 30 years of service requirement. The Centre objected to their inclusion, prompting the Kerala government to request a waiver—a request that was ultimately declined.
State Awaiting Repatriation Clearance for Chandrasekhar
Sources indicate that the state government is currently awaiting formal clearance for Chandrasekhar’s repatriation from the Centre. If delays occur, one of the other shortlisted officers may be given additional charge as an interim arrangement. The state is expected to make the final appointment in the coming days, based on the UPSC-approved panel.
Chandrasekhar, a well-respected and low-profile officer, is widely considered a frontrunner. His central deputation roles, including his current position in national security, make him a technically and politically strong candidate to lead Kerala Police at a crucial time.
