Lucknow: Bringing an end to nearly four years of uncertainty at the top of Uttar Pradesh Police, the state government has appointed 1991-batch IPS officer Rajeev Krishna as the full-time Director General of Police (DGP). The appointment makes him the first permanent police chief of Uttar Pradesh since 2022 and places one of the state’s most experienced officers at the helm of India’s largest police force.
IPS Krishna, who had been serving as the acting DGP since May 2025 following the retirement of Prashant Kumar, will continue to lead the force until his retirement in June 2029. His elevation comes after a distinguished policing career spanning more than three decades, during which he held several key field and headquarters assignments, modernised the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and successfully supervised the recruitment of more than 60,000 police constables.
Appointment Ends Four-Year Gap in Permanent Leadership
The appointment marks the end of a prolonged period during which Uttar Pradesh functioned without a regular DGP. The last full-time DGP of the state was Mukul Goel, who was removed from the post in 2022.
Since then, the state police force was led by a series of acting chiefs, including D S Chauhan, R K Vishwakarma, Vijay Kumar and Prashant Kumar. Mr Krishna himself took charge as acting DGP after Prashant Kumar’s retirement on May 31, 2025.
Following the completion of one year as acting chief, the state government approved his appointment as the full-time DGP, providing long-term stability to the police leadership at a time when challenges such as cybercrime, organised crime and public safety are becoming increasingly complex.
Why Rajeev Krishna Was Chosen for the Top Post
Several factors contributed to Mr Krishna’s selection as the state’s permanent police chief.
His successful handling of the massive recruitment exercise demonstrated his administrative capability and crisis-management skills.
His reputation as a technology-oriented officer who pushed modernisation initiatives, particularly in the ATS, strengthened his credentials.
Over the course of his career, he also developed a reputation for effective field policing, including successful operations against organised criminal networks during his district postings.
Combined with his extensive experience in both operational and administrative assignments, these achievements made him a strong contender for the state’s top policing role.
Among UPSC-Shortlisted Officers for Top Post
IPS Krishna’s appointment followed the prescribed selection process under which the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) shortlisted senior IPS officers eligible for the state’s top police position.
He was among the three senior officers shortlisted before receiving the final approval of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government for the permanent role.
His long remaining tenure—extending until June 2029—was also seen as an important factor in ensuring continuity of leadership and implementation of long-term policing reforms.
Career Began With Field Postings Across Uttar Pradesh
A 1991-batch IPS officer, Mr Krishna began his career in Uttar Pradesh with a series of field assignments that gave him extensive operational experience across different regions of the state.
After joining the service, he served as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Allahabad, Bareilly, Kanpur and Aligarh. He later became Superintendent of Police (City), Aligarh, serving in the position from October 1995 to August 1996.
His first district posting as Superintendent of Police came in Firozabad on May 10, 1997.
Over the years, he went on to serve as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in several important districts, including Etawah, Mathura, Fatehgarh, Bulandshahr, Noida and Agra.
Only IPS Officer to Serve Twice as Lucknow SSP
One of the unique aspects of his career is his association with the state capital.
He is regarded as the only IPS officer to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading Lucknow Police on two separate occasions.
His first stint as SSP, Lucknow began on December 1, 2006, and continued until March 16, 2007.
Later, when the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) was introduced in major cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur and Meerut, he was once again assigned charge of the state capital, reflecting the confidence successive governments placed in his leadership abilities.
Played Key Role in Building UP ATS
Rajeev Krishna is also credited with playing a major role in strengthening the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
During the tenure of the Mayawati government, the ATS was established following a series of terror-related incidents and bomb blasts in the state. He was appointed as the DIG of the newly created ATS.
In that role, he worked to modernise the anti-terror unit by equipping it with advanced technology, modern investigative tools and specialised resources.
His efforts contributed significantly to transforming the ATS into a more technologically capable force equipped to tackle emerging security threats.
Deputation to BSF and Return to UP Police
From 2012 to 2017, he served on deputation with the Border Security Force (BSF), gaining valuable experience in border management and national security operations.
Upon returning to Uttar Pradesh, he was appointed Additional Director General (ADG) of the Moradabad Police Academy on September 21, 2017.
On February 5, 2018, he took charge as ADG, Lucknow Zone, one of the most important policing zones in the state.
After serving in Lucknow, he returned to the Moradabad Police Academy before being appointed ADG, Agra Zone, in February 2021.
On August 19, 2023, he was posted as ADG Vigilance, further expanding his experience in oversight and accountability-related functions.
Restored Confidence After Recruitment Exam Controversy
One of the most significant achievements of IPS Krishna’s recent career came after the controversy surrounding the Uttar Pradesh Police constable recruitment examination.
The recruitment examination conducted in 2024 was cancelled following allegations of a paper leak, triggering widespread concern and criticism.
In March 2024, the state government entrusted IPS Krishna with the responsibility of heading the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board and conducting the fresh recruitment exercise.
Under his supervision, one of the largest police recruitment drives in the country’s history was carried out.
The recruitment process resulted in the selection of 60,244 constables and was widely praised for its transparency, strict monitoring mechanisms, technological safeguards and efficient execution.
Importantly, the examination process and declaration of results were completed without any major controversy, helping restore public confidence in the recruitment system.
Priorities as Uttar Pradesh DGP
Soon after taking charge as the full-time DGP, IPS Krishna outlined the priorities that would guide Uttar Pradesh Police in the coming years.
He emphasised that the force would continue to work in line with the state government’s policy of zero tolerance towards crime and criminals.
According to the DGP, ensuring the safety of women, protecting business owners and maintaining the security of ordinary citizens will remain key focus areas.
He also highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime and reiterated the police force’s commitment to taking strict action against cybercriminals.
Rajeev Krishna stated that the police would continue taking firm action against criminals while ensuring law and order is maintained across the state.
Referring to encounters and operations against dangerous offenders, he said the police respond appropriately when criminals attack officers or attempt to evade arrest through violence.
Commitment to Peaceful Elections
The newly appointed DGP also underlined the Uttar Pradesh Police’s role in conducting elections peacefully and fairly.
He said the state police has a strong record of ensuring peaceful elections and would continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission.
According to him, maintaining public confidence in the electoral process remains an important responsibility of the police force.
A Long Tenure Ahead
With nearly three years of service remaining before retirement, IPS Krishna is expected to provide continuity and stability to the Uttar Pradesh Police.
His tenure until June 2029 gives him sufficient time to pursue reforms in policing, strengthen technological capabilities, tackle cybercrime, improve public safety measures and further modernise the state’s law enforcement apparatus.
Having served in district policing, anti-terror operations, vigilance, training, recruitment and headquarters assignments, Rajeev Krishna brings a rare combination of operational experience and administrative expertise to the position.
As Uttar Pradesh enters a new phase with a permanent police chief after four years, expectations are high that his leadership will help shape the future direction of policing in India’s most populous state.
