Who Is IPS Jagmohan Meena? IIT Graduate, Gallantry Awardee and Bhubaneswar DCP Resigns After 13 Years in Odisha Police
Who is IPS Jagmohan Meena? Know about the 2013-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, IIT alumnus, Gallantry Medal awardee and Bhubaneswar DCP who resigned after 13 years of service, citing personal reasons.
In a development that has drawn widespread attention across bureaucratic and policing circles, Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena, a 2013-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Odisha cadre, has resigned from the service after spending more than 13 years in uniform. Citing personal reasons, the senior police officer said the decision was taken after careful thought and extensive discussions with his family and close friends.
The resignation has surprised many within the police establishment, as Meena has earned a reputation as a capable field officer who handled some of Odisha’s most challenging assignments. From leading anti-Maoist operations in insurgency-hit districts to overseeing policing in the state’s capital, his career has reflected a blend of operational experience, administrative leadership and community-focused policing.
Although he has stepped down from his current responsibilities, the resignation is yet to become effective. Under the All India Services rules, an IPS officer’s resignation requires approval from the competent authority, including the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), before it formally takes effect.
A Carefully Considered Personal Decision
Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation, Jagmohan Meena made it clear that the move was driven entirely by personal considerations.
He said the decision was not taken overnight but came after prolonged discussions with members of his family and trusted friends. Stressing that there was no external pressure or professional compulsion behind his resignation, he requested everyone to respect his privacy.
“It has been a well-thought-out decision after 13 years of service in the IPS. It is purely because of personal reasons. I request everyone to respect my privacy in this matter,” Meena said.
Responding to speculation surrounding his exit, he categorically ruled out any external influence.
“There has been no pressure or external factor. The decision is entirely personal,” he clarified.
Before concluding his interaction with the media, Meena thanked the people of Odisha for their affection and support throughout his career. Calling the people of the state warm and welcoming, he also expressed gratitude to the Odisha government for entrusting him with several significant assignments over the years.
Seeking the blessings of Lord Jagannath, he said he hoped to continue receiving divine guidance in the next chapter of his life.
Resignation Yet to Receive Formal Approval
Even though Jagmohan Meena has submitted his resignation, officials clarified that he continues to remain an IPS officer until the competent authority formally accepts it.
According to the provisions of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, IAS and IPS officers intending to resign must submit an unconditional written resignation to the concerned state government or central ministry, depending on their posting.
The proposal is then processed through the state government before being forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for final approval.
Only after this process is completed does the resignation become legally effective.
Officials familiar with the procedure said Meena will continue to remain in service until the necessary approvals are granted.
Who Is IPS Jagmohan Meena?
Jagmohan Meena belongs to the 2013 batch of the Indian Police Service and serves in the Odisha cadre.
Originally from Rajasthan, he pursued engineering at one of India’s premier institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), before preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
After successfully clearing the highly competitive examination, he joined the Indian Police Service on December 23, 2013.
At around 37 years of age, Meena represents a younger generation of IPS officers who have gained experience in both insurgency-affected regions and modern urban policing.
Over the years, he has developed a reputation for disciplined leadership, operational competence and an ability to adapt to varied policing environments.
Career Built on Challenging Field Assignments
Following the completion of his police training, Jagmohan Meena began his career as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) in Odisha’s Kalahandi district.
This initial assignment provided him valuable exposure to field policing and district administration.
He later served as Superintendent of Police in several strategically important districts, including Malkangiri, Angul and Ganjam.
Among these, his posting in Malkangiri proved particularly significant.
The district has long been regarded as one of Odisha’s most Maoist-affected regions, demanding constant vigilance, operational planning and coordination between multiple security agencies.
During his tenure, Meena actively supervised anti-Naxal operations aimed at improving security, strengthening intelligence gathering and enhancing the confidence of local communities living in vulnerable areas.
His work in these difficult conditions earned him recognition within policing circles for his commitment to internal security.
Leadership in Urban Policing
After his district assignments, Jagmohan Meena was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Cuttack.
In this role, he handled several aspects of urban policing, including crime control, law and order management, public safety and organisational administration.
His experience in city policing expanded further in March 2025, when he assumed charge as the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar.
As DCP of the state capital, he focused on introducing several citizen-centric policing initiatives.
His priorities included expanding digital police services, strengthening cybercrime awareness, improving surveillance infrastructure and enhancing safety measures for senior citizens.
Officials also credit him with promoting technology-based policing while encouraging greater interaction between the police and local communities.
Faced Several Sensitive Challenges
Throughout his career, Jagmohan Meena handled numerous complex law and order situations.
His responsibilities included supervising major public events, managing criminal investigations and responding to emergency situations in different parts of Odisha.
His resignation comes only a few months after the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police faced intense public scrutiny over the handling of a lynching incident in Balianta in which a 32-year-old police constable lost his life on May 7.
However, Meena has firmly maintained that the incident had no connection with his decision to leave the service.
By publicly rejecting speculation surrounding his resignation, he reiterated that the decision was based entirely on personal considerations.
Decorated for Distinguished Service
During his 13-year career, Jagmohan Meena received several prestigious honours recognising his contribution to policing, internal security and public service.
His notable decorations include:
Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) – 2019
Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak – 2021
Governor’s Medal – 2023
These awards acknowledge his work in counter-insurgency operations, internal security management and distinguished police service.
The recognition also reflects the confidence reposed in him during some of Odisha’s most demanding policing assignments.
Reports Hint at a Corporate Career
While Jagmohan Meena has not publicly disclosed his future plans, reports suggest he may transition to the private corporate sector after completing all resignation formalities.
There is also speculation that he could relocate closer to his home state of Rajasthan.
However, no official confirmation has been made regarding his next professional assignment.
For now, the focus remains on the formal acceptance of his resignation by the competent authority.
A Career Marked by Commitment and Public Service
As he prepares to move on from the Indian Police Service, Jagmohan Meena leaves behind a career spanning more than a decade of service in some of Odisha’s toughest policing environments.
From combating Maoist insurgency in remote districts to leading policing initiatives in Bhubaneswar, his journey reflects operational experience across diverse domains of law enforcement.
His farewell message carried a note of gratitude rather than farewell alone.
“It has been a matter of pride to serve the people of Odisha. I sincerely thank the state government and the people for giving me the opportunity to work in several important districts and contribute towards public service,” he said.
Whether he eventually enters the corporate world or chooses another path, Jagmohan Meena’s tenure in the IPS will be remembered for his field leadership, commitment to public service and willingness to take on some of Odisha’s most demanding policing assignments.
