Raipur: In a significant development, the Chhattisgarh government has appointed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Arun Dev Gautam as the acting Director General of Police (DGP) of the state. The announcement was made on Tuesday, following the completion of the extended tenure of the former DGP, Ashok Juneja, who stepped down after a distinguished service.
Mr Gautam, a 1992-batch officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, was previously serving as the Director General of Civil Defence and also held the additional responsibility of Director of Public Prosecution. His appointment as acting DGP marks a major leadership transition for the state police force as Gautam steps into the role to oversee law enforcement operations, public safety, and police affairs until a permanent appointment is made.
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Ashok Juneja, who had served as the DGP of Chhattisgarh, concluded his extended tenure on Monday, February 3, 2025. He had been granted two extensions during his service. Arun Dev Gautam’s name was at the forefront in the race for the new DGP, with other prominent officers like Pawan Dev and Himanshu Gupta also being considered. However, the final decision was made in Gautam’s favor.
A Distinguished Career
Mr Gautam has an impressive track record, having served as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in six different districts across the state. He has also been in charge of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force and served as the Inspector General (IG) of Bilaspur Range. Notably, after the tragic killing of Congress leaders in the 2013 Jheeram Valley Naxalite attack, Gautam was appointed the IG of Bastar.
Over the course of his career, Gautam has been recognized for his exemplary service. In 2010, he was awarded the Indian Police Medal for commendable services, and in 2018, he received the prestigious President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service. Gautam’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the state’s policing.
With his extensive experience in various capacities, Gautam’s temporary appointment is expected to guide the Chhattisgarh Police through the coming months as the state awaits a permanent decision on the DGP position.
