With Mr. Prashant Kumar (1990-batch IPS officer) set to retire as Director General of Police (DGP), Uttar Pradesh on May 31, 2025, the suspense over who will take the helm of the state’s police force continues. Surprisingly, the Home Department has yet to send a panel of eligible names to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or even form a selection committee—both crucial steps in finalizing the next DGP.
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Adding to the transition at the top, two other senior officers—Mr. PV Ramasastri (DG, Jails) and Mr. Sanjay M Tarade (DG, Telecom)—are also retiring this month, potentially reshaping the power dynamics within the IPS ranks.
As per rules, only officers with more than six months of service left are eligible for the post. Among those in the running:
- Mr. Daljit Singh Chaudhary (1990 batch), currently on central deputation as DG of BSF, is considered a strong contender.
- Mr. Alok Sharma (1991 batch), presently heading the Special Protection Group (SPG), is another top choice.
- Mr. Rajiv Krishna (1991 batch), with four years of service remaining, is seen as a serious candidate and is currently Chairman of the UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board and Director of Vigilance.
Another notable name is Ms. Tilottama Verma (1990 batch), the DG (Training). If appointed, she would become Uttar Pradesh’s first-ever woman DGP. Ms. Verma has an impressive background, including extensive service with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Other officers reportedly eligible include Mr. Safi Ahsan Rizvi, Mr. Sandeep Salunke, Ms. Renuka Mishra, Mr. MK Bashal, Mr. Piyush Anand, and Ms. Tilottama Verma—all from the 1990 or 1991 batches.
The delay in initiating the formal selection process has raised eyebrows, but officials say a decision will likely be made once the UPSC receives the panel. As May 31 draws closer, all eyes are on Lucknow to see who will be chosen to lead the state’s police force into a new chapter.
