The Kerala government has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the anticipated shortlist prepared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for appointing the state’s next Director General of Police (DGP). The panel, expected to be finalized by the Centre, includes three senior IPS officers from the Kerala cadre: Nitin Agarwal (1989 batch), Ravada Chandrasekhar (1991 batch), and Yogesh Gupta (1993 batch).
As per established norms, the state must choose its next DGP from this UPSC-approved list. However, given the state’s apparent displeasure with the shortlisted names, there is growing speculation that Kerala might continue with an acting DGP, following the example of states like Uttar Pradesh, which have adopted similar interim arrangements in the past.
There is also discussion within state circles about maintaining a temporary police chief until one or more of the officers on the current panel retire, potentially creating room for alternate choices.
The Centre prepares the DGP panel based on criteria such as seniority, service record, and experience. If Nitin Agarwal does not make the final list, sources suggest Manoj Abraham (1994 batch) could be a strong alternative, with a solid chance of being appointed if included.
The original list of nominees sent by the Kerala government to the Centre included Nitin Agarwal, Ravada Chandrasekhar, Yogesh Gupta, Manoj Abraham, Suresh Raj Purohit, and M.R. Ajith Kumar—all IPS officers from the 1989–1995 batches.
While the final decision is awaited, Kerala’s reluctance to proceed with the current likely panel suggests that an interim arrangement or delay in the DGP appointment is increasingly probable.
