With the current Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha, Sunil Bansal all set to retire in December and the 2024 General Elections approaching, it has become a critical challenge for the State government to appoint an appropriate IPS officer for the coveted post.
As per sources, with the State government giving importance to women for higher posts, 1989-batch lady IPS officer B Radhika is a frontrunner for the DGP post. However, as per the official procedure, the State government will send a panelled list on the basis of seniority to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) following which the new DGP will be selected.
With the upcoming General Election in around six months, Odisha will get a new DGP in the New Year. Now speculation is rife upon whom the State government will rely on.
As per reports, 1988-batch senior IPS officer Manoj Chhabra will not be considered for the post as he will retire this month. The same batch senior IPS officer Arun Ray is now working as OSD of the Home Department. There is a probability that he may be appointed as the new DGP. However, the State government is not reportedly satisfied with his performance. Moreover, 1989-batch IPS officer Pranabindu Acharya is not in the race as he will be superannuated in May 2024.
Under these circumstances, 1989-batch IPS officer and HRPC DG AM Prasad, B Radhika, who is currently in Central deputation, and SM Narvane are in the race. However, Narvane is reportedly not in the good books of the government.
If the government chooses to play the woman card, B Radhika will be the frontrunner for the DGP post. Apart from Radhika, 1990-batch IPS officer and Special DG of Eastern Command BSF, YB Khurania, Biju Patnaik State Police Academy (BPSPA) Director Arun Sarangi and Odisha Fire Services Department DG, Sudhanshu Sarangi are also reportedly in fray for the coveted post.
“The government will appoint a skilful and effective officer for the DGP post. The officer must also have a good image. There is another probability that the current DGP may get an extension of six months as the election is very near,” said former police DG Sanjeev Marik.
As per sources, the IPS officer having an obligation towards the government will be given importance for the post. Moreover, a non-controversial IPS officer with a good track record and the ability to maintain proper coordination with district police will be preferred. As the General Elections are around the corner, the officer, who is in the good books of the government may be appointed as the next DGP of Odisha.
“Considering the upcoming elections, the IPS officer who has control and grip over law and order across the State will be appointed as the next DGP,” said senior journalist K Ravi.