Bhubaneswar: The race for the next Director General of Police (DGP) in Odisha has formally begun, with the state police headquarters forwarding a panel of three senior IPS officers to the state government. The shortlisted names—Sudhanshu Sarangi, Susanta Kumar Nath, and R. P. Koche—will now be sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for empanelment, setting the stage for a crucial leadership transition as incumbent DGP Y. B. Khurania approaches the end of his tenure.
Panel Sent to Government, UPSC Process Next
The Odisha police headquarters has submitted a panel comprising three senior DGP-rank officers—Sudhanshu Sarangi (IPS: 1990: Odisha cadre), Susanta Kumar Nath (IPS: 1993: Odisha cadre), and R. P. Koche (IPS: 1993: Odisha cadre)—to the state government.
As per established protocol, the state government will forward this panel to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) next month. The UPSC will then convene its Empanelment Committee to evaluate the officers before finalising a shortlist.
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How the DGP Selection Process Works
The appointment of a DGP follows a structured and merit-based process:
- The state proposes a panel of eligible DGP-rank officers.
- The UPSC Empanelment Committee evaluates candidates based on service records, disciplinary history, and leadership experience.
- The UPSC shortlists three names.
- The state government appoints the DGP from the UPSC-approved panel.
As per updated UPSC norms, the minimum service requirement was reduced from 30 years to 25 years in 2023 to widen the pool of eligible candidates. Additionally, guidelines issued on January 8, 2026, state that the panel should not exceed three officers, though fewer names may be considered in exceptional cases.
Tenure of Current DGP Y. B. Khurania Nears End
Incumbent DGP Y. B. Khurania (IPS: 1990: Odisha cadre) will complete his two-year tenure on August 16, 2026. His tenure has seen significant strengthening of the state police force, including improvements in budget allocation, manpower, and infrastructure.
Confirming the development, Khurania stated that the list of eligible officers has been sent to the government as per protocol.
Eligibility Criteria Shapes the Race
Apart from Khurania, Odisha currently has four DGP-ranked officers:
- Sudhanshu Sarangi (1990 batch)
- Susanta Kumar Nath (1993 batch)
- R. P. Koche (1993 batch)
- Vinaytosh Mishra (1993 batch)
However, Vinaytosh Mishra, who is serving as DG (Crime Branch), has been automatically excluded from consideration as he is set to retire on November 3, 2026, and does not meet the minimum requirement of six months of residual service from the date of vacancy.
This effectively narrows the race to Sarangi, Nath, and Koche, with speculation suggesting that the final selection could likely emerge from among Sarangi and Koche.
Top Contenders: Profiles of the Officers
Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi
Sudhanshu Sarangi, a 1990-batch IPS officer, is widely regarded as one of Odisha’s most prominent police leaders. He holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Liverpool and currently serves as Director General of Fire Services, Home Guards, and Civil Defence.
Sarangi has previously served as Commissioner of Police for Bhubaneswar-Cuttack and as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Odisha State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation. Known for his tech-driven policing approach, he played a key role in solving the 1999 Barang gang rape case after a gap of 22 years.
Susanta Kumar Nath
Susanta Kumar Nath, a 1993-batch IPS officer, currently serves as Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services in Odisha. He brings significant experience from his tenure on Central Deputation, where he served as Inspector General in the Border Security Force (BSF).
Repatriated to the Odisha cadre in early 2025 at his own request, Nath has extensive experience in border management as well as high-level administrative functions in both central and state security systems.
R. P. Koche
Radha Kishan (R. P.) Koche, also a 1993-batch IPS officer, is currently serving as Director of Intelligence in Odisha, along with additional responsibilities as Additional DGP of the Special Armed Police.
In July 2025, Koche was empanelled by the Government of India for Director General and DG-equivalent positions at the Centre, underscoring his strong professional standing. He is known for his expertise in intelligence operations and tactical policing, making him a key figure in the state’s security framework.
What Lies Ahead
With the panel now ready, all eyes are on the UPSC’s empanelment process. If any officer faces exclusion due to pending proceedings, additional names may be considered. However, given that Odisha already has three eligible DGP-ranked officers, no expansion of the panel is currently required.
Once the UPSC finalises its recommendations, the state government will make the final appointment, ensuring continuity and stability in the leadership of the Odisha police.
Next DGP
The selection of Odisha’s next DGP comes at a crucial juncture, with the state focusing on strengthening its law enforcement framework. As the process moves forward under established guidelines, the emphasis remains firmly on transparency, merit, and experience.
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