PATNA: The Bihar government has extended the additional charge of Director General of Police (DGP) entrusted to senior IPS officer Preeta Verma (IPS:1991), allowing her to continue heading the Bihar Police until further orders.
The Home Department issued the order on October 5, 2026, as the earlier arrangement under which Verma was handling the additional charge came to an end.
The latest decision means that Bihar will continue with an interim arrangement at the top of its police hierarchy, with the appointment of a regular DGP yet to be finalised.
Preeta Verma to Continue as Acting DGP
IPS Verma was first given the additional charge of Bihar DGP on September 15, 2026, after the then DGP Vinay Kumar proceeded on leave.
Verma was initially asked to hold the additional responsibility until October 5. With that period ending, the state government has now extended her additional charge until further orders.
The extension does not amount to her appointment as the regular DGP of Bihar. She will continue to discharge the responsibilities of the state’s police chief under the additional-charge arrangement until a permanent appointment is made.
Verma is currently posted as Director General, Home Defence Corps and Fire Services, Bihar, and will continue to hold that responsibility along with the additional charge of DGP.
Read also: Bihar DGP Selection: Who Are Preeta Verma, Jitendra Singh Gangwar and B Srinivasan?
Permanent DGP Appointment Still Pending
The latest order keeps the spotlight on the pending appointment of a regular DGP in Bihar.
The state government’s decision to continue the existing arrangement indicates that the permanent appointment has not yet been finalised. The selection of the regular police chief will follow the prescribed process, after which the state government will appoint a DGP from the panel of eligible officers.
Until that process is completed, Verma will continue to lead the Bihar Police.
The extension also means that the state has opted to maintain continuity in police leadership rather than make an immediate permanent appointment.
Vinay Kumar Took Leave, Later Opted for VRS
The present arrangement began after Vinay Kumar, a 1991-batch Bihar-cadre IPS officer and Verma’s batchmate, proceeded on a 21-day leave in September.
Following his leave, Verma was entrusted with the additional charge of DGP on September 15.
Vinay Kumar subsequently opted for voluntary retirement from service (VRS) and has since been appointed Bihar’s Chief Information Commissioner.
His departure from the DGP post created the vacancy that led to the interim arrangement under which Verma has been heading the state police.
Who Is Preeta Verma?
Preeta Verma is a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre and is among the senior officers of the state police.
According to the official IPS civil list, she holds a Bachelor’s degree and is originally from Rajasthan.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, Verma has served in several important policing and administrative assignments in Bihar.
She has headed police forces as Superintendent of Police in Saharsa, Siwan, Begusarai, Vaishali and Muzaffarpur, giving her extensive experience in district-level policing and law-and-order management.
Her career has also included important assignments in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Vigilance wing of the Bihar Police.
Experience Across Policing and Administration
Verma’s career has involved both field policing and specialised police administration.
Her experience as district SP in several important Bihar districts has given her exposure to crime control, law and order, police administration and coordination with civil authorities.
Her assignments in CID and Vigilance have further added investigative and institutional experience to her career profile.
She has also been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, recognising her long service and contribution to policing.
Challenge of Maintaining Law and Order
As the officer currently heading the Bihar Police, Verma has the responsibility of overseeing law-and-order management across the state while the government works through the process of appointing a regular DGP.
Crime control and strengthening law and order remain major priorities for the Bihar government.
The continuation of Verma’s additional charge provides administrative continuity at a time when the state is awaiting a permanent police chief.
Her long experience in district policing and senior police administration is particularly relevant to the responsibilities associated with the DGP’s office.
Focus Returns to Regular DGP Appointment
With Verma’s additional charge now extended until further orders, attention is once again likely to focus on the process for selecting Bihar’s next regular DGP.
The appointment of a permanent DGP is separate from the current interim arrangement. The prescribed procedure involves consideration of eligible senior officers and the preparation of the panel before the state government makes the final appointment.
For now, however, the Bihar Police will continue under Verma’s leadership.
The October 5 order effectively extends the existing arrangement and keeps the state’s top police post in interim hands until the government completes the process for appointing a regular DGP.
Read also: From DGP to CIC: Bihar Police Chief Vinay Kumar Takes VRS, Becomes Chief Information Commissioner
