After Anurag Gupta’s Exit, Jharkhand Begins Search for New DGP — Senior IPS Officers Prashant Singh and M.S. Bhatia Emerge as Frontrunners
With the resignation of Anurag Gupta, Jharkhand’s Director General of Police (DGP) and a 1990-batch IPS officer, the state government has begun the process to appoint his successor. Gupta’s exit brings down the curtain on a turbulent tenure marred by administrative and legal controversies.
According to top government sources, three senior IPS officers are under consideration for the coveted post of state police chief — Prashant Singh, M.S. Bhatia, and Anil Palta.
Three Senior IPS Officers in Contention
Prashant Singh (IPS:1992) – Presently serving as Director General of Police (Headquarters), Singh is regarded as a strong contender for the top job due to his extensive administrative experience.
M.S. Bhatia (IPS:1993) – Currently heading Jharkhand Fire Services, Bhatia has previously handled critical law and order assignments across multiple districts.
Anil Palta (IPS:1990) – A senior officer of the same batch as Anurag Gupta, Palta’s name has also surfaced among the likely choices for the new DGP.
Officials said the final decision will be made after clearance from the Home Department and consultation with the Chief Minister’s Office.
Resignation Ends Weeks of Speculation
Reports of Anurag Gupta’s resignation first appeared on Tuesday night, fueling speculation within the state bureaucracy. Though the government initially withheld comments, officials later confirmed that his resignation had been accepted.
The reason for Gupta’s sudden departure has not been made public, and attempts to reach him for comment remained unsuccessful.
From Acting DGP to Controversial Appointment
Anurag Gupta was first given charge as Acting DGP in July 2024, but was later removed by the Election Commission during the Assembly elections. Following the formation of a new government, he was reinstated as DGP on November 28, 2024.
In January 2025, the state amended its service rules, allowing Gupta’s appointment to be regularized on February 3, 2025, for a two-year term — a move that drew widespread criticism.
Tenure Shadowed by Legal and Political Disputes
Gupta’s continuation as DGP remained contentious from the start. The UPSC had reportedly not recommended his name for the post, and his reinstatement after Election Commission removal was viewed as a breach of established norms.
The Union Home Ministry had earlier declined approval for extending his service beyond retirement, prompting BJP leader Babulal Marandi to challenge the state’s decision in both the Jharkhand High Court and the Supreme Court.
Political Fallout and Opposition Reactions
Following Gupta’s resignation, BJP MLA C.P. Singh welcomed the move, saying it was “better late than never.” He accused the former DGP of being at the center of administrative irregularities and claimed the decision came only after “significant political embarrassment” for the government.
Singh also alleged that the post had been misused for “personal and political motives,” while expressing hope that the next appointment would “restore public faith in the police administration.”
New DGP to Be Named Soon
Sources indicate that Prashant Singh and M.S. Bhatia have emerged as the top contenders for the DGP position. The Home Department is expected to complete its formal evaluation and issue an official announcement in the coming days.
The appointment will be closely watched, as the new DGP will be tasked with stabilizing the police force and restoring administrative credibility after a period of intense political and bureaucratic friction.
