Kolkata: West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar (IPS: 1989: WB) was given a warm farewell by the state police on Thursday, just two days before his superannuation, even as the government has yet to announce his successor.
Legal Tangle Delays Appointment of Next DGP
The delay in naming the next DGP stems from a legal impasse. Kumar’s name was included in a panel of eight IPS officers sent by the state government to the UPSC, following a Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order. However, the UPSC did not trim the list to three candidates as instructed by CAT, choosing instead to approach the Delhi High Court, pushing the appointment of Bengal’s next DGP into uncertainty.
Despite this, the Bengal Police organized a farewell ceremony, complete with guard of honour by three units, highlighting Kumar’s distinguished career.
Reflecting on a Career Guided by Conscience
A 1990-batch IPS officer, Kumar shared his philosophy during the farewell, emphasizing that courage and conscience are as important as following the law. “Our work is the final word. My conscience will tell me whether I am right or wrong. True courage speaks from within,” he said. He described courage as “not always about action, but standing firm.”
Achievements and Contributions
Kumar lauded the dedication of his colleagues and highlighted the strategic and geopolitical importance of Bengal, sharing borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Naxalism: He noted that Bengal Police successfully tackled the Naxal challenge twice, with over 250 sacrifices in the process.
Law and Order: Kumar highlighted the police force’s excellence in crowd control and law enforcement during major events like Durga Puja and Gangasagar Mela, ensuring public safety while preventing casualties.
Teamwork and Family Support: The outgoing DGP emphasized that every officer—from top brass to constabulary—was crucial to the force’s success. He also acknowledged the role of family and friends in supporting a police officer’s career.
Farewell Ceremony Reflects Respect and Legacy
Despite the administrative uncertainty, the farewell ceremony reflected the respect and admiration Kumar earned from his colleagues and subordinates. The state police honored him for his three-decade-long career, characterized by integrity, dedication, and strategic foresight.
