Bhopal: In a significant administrative move aimed at strengthening internal functioning and improving operational efficiency, the Madhya Pradesh Police Headquarters (PHQ) in Bhopal has reassigned responsibilities to 11 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers recently posted at the headquarters. The reshuffle, announced through an official order issued by Director General of Police Kailash Makwana on May 5, 2026, takes immediate effect.
The restructuring spans multiple critical divisions, including crime investigation, training, administration, recruitment, and women’s safety, reflecting a strategic effort to streamline policing functions and enhance coordination within the force.
Focus on Strengthening Core Departments
As part of the reshuffle, senior officers at the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level have been entrusted with crucial responsibilities across departments:
- Awadhesh Goswami (2009 batch) has been posted as DIG (Welfare and Accounts), a role critical for overseeing personnel welfare and financial management within the force.
- Prashant Khare (2009 batch) has been assigned charge of the Crime Investigation Department (CID), a key wing responsible for handling complex and sensitive cases.
- Manish Agrawal (2009 batch) will now head the Training division, focusing on capacity building and skill enhancement of police personnel.
Women Safety, Complaints and Recruitment Get Attention
The reshuffle also brings significant changes in departments dealing with public interface and internal accountability:
- Kiran Lata Kerketta (2010 batch), who was previously handling women’s safety, has now been appointed as DIG (Complaints), indicating a focus on strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Simala Prasad (2011 batch) has been given charge of Women Safety, underlining continued emphasis on gender-sensitive policing.
- Manoj Kumar Rai (2010 batch) will oversee Selection and Recruitment, a vital function for strengthening the police force with capable personnel.
Administrative and Special Units Reorganised
Several key operational and administrative roles have also been reassigned:
- Riaz Iqbal (2011 batch) has been appointed DIG (Administration), responsible for overall internal management.
- Rahul Kumar Lodha (2011 batch) has been posted to the Special Task Force (STF), a specialised unit dealing with organised crime and high-risk operations.
- Shiv Dayal (2012 batch) has been assigned to the Special Armed Force (Arms and Ammunition), a critical wing for maintaining tactical readiness.
Roles Assigned to AIG-Level Officers
Among relatively younger officers, two have been given important assignments at the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) level:
- Manish Khatri (2016 batch) has been appointed as AIG in the Crime Investigation Department.
- Ram Sharan Prajapati (2016 batch) has been posted as AIG in the Selection and Recruitment wing.
- These appointments indicate a balanced approach of integrating both experience and fresh perspectives into the administrative structure.
Strategic Intent Behind the Reshuffle
Officials stated that the reshuffle is part of a broader strategy to improve departmental efficiency by placing experienced officers in roles aligned with their expertise. The reallocation is expected to enhance coordination between various wings and strengthen specialised divisions such as training, welfare, women’s safety, and recruitment.
The move also reflects the Madhya Pradesh Police’s commitment to addressing evolving challenges in law enforcement, including crime management, public safety, and institutional accountability.
Towards More Effective Policing
The restructuring at the PHQ level underscores a forward-looking approach by the state police leadership. By reorganising key positions and responsibilities, the department aims to ensure better preparedness, faster response mechanisms, and improved service delivery.
With growing complexities in policing—from cybercrime to organised criminal networks—the reshuffle is being seen as a proactive step toward building a more agile, responsive, and efficient law enforcement system in Madhya Pradesh.
