AGMUT Cadre Shake-Up: Major IAS–IPS Reshuffle Alters Key Policing and Administrative Leadership in Goa After Shirgao Stampede
A sweeping round of transfers has been executed within the prestigious AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh–Goa–Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre, triggering significant changes in top-level administrative and police leadership across Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Delhi and several Union Territories. The reshuffle impacts multiple senior IAS and IPS officers holding crucial field and secretariat assignments and comes in the sensitive backdrop of administrative action following the Shirgao Zatra stampede in Goa.
Goa Police Leadership Reconfigured
Under the latest cadre realignment, IPS officer Akshat Kaushal, who was serving as Superintendent of Police in Goa, has been transferred out of the state and reassigned to Arunachal Pradesh.
In a reciprocal posting, IPS officer Shekhar Prabhudesai has been moved from Arunachal Pradesh to Goa, marking his re-entry into the state’s policing structure through this cadre rotation.
Adding further reinforcement to Goa’s police leadership, IPS officer Shruti Arora has been transferred from Ladakh and posted to Goa as part of the new deployment plan.
New IAS Officers Inducted into Goa Administration
The reshuffle also brings fresh administrative leadership into Goa through the induction of two IAS officers from other Union Territories.
Michael D’Souza, IAS, has been transferred from Ladakh to Goa.
Nikhil Dessai, IAS, has been shifted from Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu to take up a new assignment in Goa.
Both officers are expected to play key roles in strengthening governance, coordination, and development initiatives in the state.
Senior IAS Officers Moved Out of Goa
Simultaneously, two senior IAS officers who were serving in Goa have been transferred to new postings outside the state.
Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, has been reassigned to Delhi for a new central-level responsibility.
Ankita Mishra, IAS, has been moved to Arunachal Pradesh, marking a shift in her cadre posting.
Reshuffle Follows Shirgao Zatra Stampede Developments
The timing of the transfers has drawn attention as the reshuffle follows closely on the heels of administrative action taken after the tragic Shirgao Zatra stampede. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had earlier stated that disciplinary proceedings were initiated against SP Akshat Kaushal and the then North Goa Collector Sneha Gitte in connection with the incident.
Although the Ministry of Home Affairs has not officially connected the transfers to the stampede, the proximity of Kaushal’s transfer to the incident has sparked public and administrative interest.
Strategic Cadre Management Across Union Territories
Officials note that such movements are part of routine cadre management within the AGMUT framework, where officers are periodically rotated across sensitive and strategic postings in states and Union Territories. However, the scale, scope, and timing of the current reshuffle — especially its impact on Goa’s administrative and policing leadership — make this round of transfers particularly significant.
The latest reallocation is expected to recalibrate governance structures across multiple regions while ensuring continuity of administrative oversight in sensitive jurisdictions.
