In a significant development for West Bengal’s policing hierarchy, the state government has proposed eight top IPS officers to the Centre for the Director General of Police position. The list, sent on January 21, features acting DGP Rajeev Kumar, who retires on January 31, along with seven others: Ranvir Kumar, Debashish Roy, Anuj Sharma, Jagmohan, N. Ramesh Babu, and Siddhinath Gupta.
The selection follows a structured mechanism involving the UPSC. The state submits names, and a UPSC panel narrows it down to three for gubernatorial and ministerial nod. Rajeev Kumar’s nomination reflects his stature post-Manoj Malaviya’s December 2023 exit, though no promises are implied.
Sources point to intense deliberations around Piyush Pandey—a former Special Protection Group stalwart now safeguarding CM Mamata Banerjee—Rajesh Kumar, and Ranvir Kumar. Pandey’s elite background positions him strongly, but outcomes remain uncertain.
This is the state’s second bite at the cherry after a flawed December 27 list was rejected. The initial lapse breached the three-month pre-retirement submission rule. Rajesh Kumar’s CAT petition forced judicial intervention, with orders for resubmission by January 23 and UPSC review by January 28. Shortlisted names are due January 29.
The urgency underscores West Bengal’s complex security milieu, from political unrest to urban challenges. The next DGP must blend administrative acumen with on-ground command. As deadlines loom, all eyes are on Delhi’s response, which could redefine the force’s leadership for years ahead.
