New Delhi: India’s elite Special Protection Group (SPG) is preparing for a major leadership transition as its Director, Alok Sharma, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is set to retire at the end of June 2026. With his superannuation approaching, the process of identifying the next chief of the country’s premier VIP protection force is underway.
According to sources familiar with the developments, senior IPS officers S Suresh, Sanjay A. Lathkar and Padmakar S. Ranpise are among the leading contenders being considered for the prestigious post.
The appointment is being closely watched within the security establishment, given the SPG’s critical responsibility of providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and overseeing some of the country’s most sensitive security operations.
S Suresh Emerges as Natural Successor
Among the officers being considered, S Suresh, a 1995-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, is widely viewed as the most natural successor.
Currently serving as Additional Director General (ADG) in the SPG, Suresh has spent nearly a decade within the organisation and possesses extensive experience in the Prime Minister’s security architecture.
However, sources indicate that the officer is keen to return to his parent cadre in Kerala, a factor that could influence the final decision-making process.
Who Is S Suresh?
S Suresh is a direct recruit IPS officer of the 1995 Kerala cadre with more than three decades of policing and security experience.
Early Career
Born on April 22, 1967, Suresh joined the Indian Police Service on September 3, 1995, after successfully clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Following training and confirmation in service, he held several policing assignments in Kerala before moving to central deputation.
Central Deputation to SSB
In March 2017, Suresh joined the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) as Inspector General (IG), gaining valuable experience in border management and national security operations.
Move to SPG
Later in December 2017, he moved from SSB to the Special Protection Group.
Since then, he has played an important role in the security apparatus responsible for protecting the Prime Minister.
After serving for several years as Inspector General within the SPG, he was elevated to the rank of Additional Director General in March 2024 after approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Multiple Extensions Reflect Government Confidence
Suresh’s tenure in SPG has been extended multiple times, highlighting the confidence reposed in him by the government and security establishment.
His deputation extensions include:
- One-year extension beyond March 2022
- One-year extension beyond March 2023
- Extension up to March 2025
- Extension up to March 2026
- Fifth extension approved until December 31, 2026
The repeated extensions underscore his importance within the SPG’s leadership structure.
Sanjay A. Lathkar Also in Contention
Another strong contender is Sanjay Anandrao Lathkar, a 1995-batch IPS officer of the Jharkhand cadre.
Currently serving as Inspector General (Security) in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Lathkar oversees the protection of India’s critical nuclear infrastructure.
Strong Operational and Security Background
A native of Maharashtra and an M.Tech graduate from IIT Bombay, Lathkar joined the IPS on December 28, 1995.
His career includes extensive experience in law enforcement, counter-terrorism, paramilitary operations and security management.
Key Assignments
During his distinguished service, he has held several important positions, including:
- Superintendent of Police in Bhojpur
- Superintendent of Police in Aurangabad
- Superintendent of Police in Dhanbad
- Superintendent of Police in Jamshedpur
- Deputy Inspector General, Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)
- Inspector General, CRPF Western Sector
- ADG (Operations), Jharkhand Police
- ADG (Railways), Jharkhand Police
Current Assignment and Recognition
In early 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed him to oversee security arrangements for India’s strategic nuclear assets under the Department of Atomic Energy.
In June 2026, he was empanelled for Director General-level positions under the Government of India.
Distinguished Service Awards
Lathkar has received several prestigious honours, including:
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2015)
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2002)
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2022)
His vast experience in national security and critical infrastructure protection makes him a serious contender for the SPG’s top position.
Padmakar S. Ranpise Among Leading Candidates
Padmakar S. Ranpise, a 1995-batch IPS officer of the Odisha cadre, is also being considered for the position.
A senior officer with extensive experience in both state policing and central armed police forces, Ranpise recently achieved empanelment to the rank of Director General.
Career Across Odisha and Central Forces
Born on November 16, 1968, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Ranpise holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and pursued studies at the College of Engineering Pune before joining the IPS in September 1996.
Throughout his career, he has held several significant assignments.
Odisha Police Leadership Roles
His major state-level assignments include:
- Inspector General (Personnel)
- Additional Director General (Vigilance)
These roles provided him with substantial experience in police administration, personnel management and vigilance operations.
Leadership in CRPF and CISF
Ranpise has also served in critical central security assignments, including:
- Inspector General, CRPF Jammu Sector
- Inspector General, CRPF Western Sector
- Additional Director General, CISF South Sector
- Additional Director General, CISF Headquarters
His experience spans counter-insurgency operations, industrial security, VIP protection planning, and large-scale security coordination.
DG-Level Empanelment
In June 2026, the Government of India empanelled Ranpise for appointment to Director General-level posts, significantly strengthening his credentials for top leadership positions in the national security framework.
Strategic Importance of the Appointment
The appointment of the next SPG Director is one of the most important security-related decisions before the government.
The Special Protection Group is entrusted with safeguarding the Prime Minister of India and managing highly sensitive security operations that require exceptional professionalism, operational expertise, and leadership.
The incoming Director will oversee evolving security challenges, technological modernization, intelligence coordination, and the continued strengthening of India’s premier protective force.
Decision Expected Soon
With Alok Sharma scheduled to retire at the end of June, the government is expected to finalize the appointment shortly.
While S Suresh remains the frontrunner owing to his long tenure within the SPG and deep familiarity with its functioning, his reported preference to return to the Kerala cadre could potentially reshape the succession race.
In that scenario, experienced officers such as Sanjay A. Lathkar and Padmakar S. Ranpise could emerge as strong alternatives for one of India’s most sensitive and prestigious security appointments.
