Chhattisgarh: Top IB official Anand Kumar will be new DGP

Raipur, January 25

Additional director of Intelligence Bureau Dr Anand Kumar, an IPS of 1981 batch from Madhya Pradesh cadre, will be new DGP of Chhattisgarh. He will succeed DGP Ramniwas who is scheduled to retire onJanuary 31. Meanwhile, a new row has triggered in the State over the government’s decision as the IPS lobby has reportedly expressed its displeasure over Kumar’s name terming him as an “outsider” and wants the government to follow the tradition by entrusting the post of top cop to next deserving candidate from the State itself.

By far, DG (Jail) Girdhari Nayak’s name was on top in race for DGP post. Nayak, an IPS of 1983 batch, has flawless career record and is said to be key strategist in dealing Maoism in State. However, the government ignored his candidature and preferred to go with Kumar whose intelligence background, it thought, would prove handy in intensifying counter-insurgency operations against extremists.

Surprised by announcement of Kumar’s name, the IPS lobby speculates that Nayak may go against the government’s decision by taking the matter to central administrative tribunal (CAT). In the past, the top cops in Maharashtra and Karnataka had challenged similar decisions of their respective state governments before CAT and got verdict in their favour.

The administrative experts too think that Kumar should not be considered for the top cop post as he belonged to other cadre and does not come under provisions of Chhattisgarh Police Act 2007. Some have even termed Kumar’s appointment as “an illegal attempt” by State government.

However, Chhattisgarh government can cite examples of Punjab and Bihar where DGPs were appointed from other cadres. While KPS Gills, 1985-batch Assam cadre IPS officer, was appointed as Punjab DGP twice, Jameel Ahmed Qureshi, an IPS officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre, headed Bihar police in late 80s. 

Kumar is likely to assume office in the first week of February after being relieved by Centre and Madhya Pradesh. He had earlier worked in Raipur and Bilaspur districts before constitution of Chhattisgarh State. Native of Uttar Pradesh, Kumar is MA, PhD. After Vishwaranjan, he will be the second IPS officer who has been appointed as Chhattisgarh DGP while working at senior position in IB.