Who Will Be Odisha’s Next DGP? Race Intensifies as Y.B. Khurania Nears Retirement; Sudhanshu Sarangi and R.P. Koche Emerge as Front-Runners
Odisha is preparing for a significant change at the top of its police hierarchy as Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur (Y.B.) Khurania is set to retire on August 16, 2026, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. With the state government formally approving his retirement, the process of selecting Odisha’s next police chief has entered a crucial phase, triggering intense speculation within administrative and policing circles.
Among the senior-most IPS officers eligible for the coveted post, Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi and R.P. Koche have emerged as the strongest contenders. Both officers possess extensive policing experience, impressive service records and have recently been empanelled by the Central Government for Director General-level positions, making them natural frontrunners for Odisha’s highest police assignment.
The appointment carries considerable significance as the next DGP will be responsible for steering the state’s police force through evolving challenges related to law and order, cybercrime, intelligence gathering, internal security, disaster management and public safety.
Odisha Government Approves Retirement of Y.B. Khurania
The Odisha Home Department has officially cleared the retirement of Y.B. Khurania, who currently serves as the Head of the Police Force (HoPF) and Director General of Police.
According to the official notification, Khurania will retire from government service on the afternoon of August 16, 2026, after completing his prescribed tenure. The notification states that:
“Shri Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, IPS (RR-1990), Director General of Police, Odisha (HoPF), is allowed to retire from Government service with effect from 16.08.2026 (AN) on completion of his service period.”
With the retirement date now officially confirmed, the state’s administrative machinery has begun the formal process of selecting his successor.
UPSC Process for Selecting the Next DGP
The appointment of a state Director General of Police follows a well-defined procedure laid down by the Supreme Court. As per the prescribed process, the Odisha Police Headquarters has reportedly forwarded a panel of eligible Director General-rank IPS officers to the state government.
The state government will then send the panel to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which will prepare a shortlist of eligible officers after evaluating their seniority, service records and overall suitability.
The Odisha Government will appoint the next DGP from among the officers recommended by the UPSC. With Khurania’s retirement only weeks away, the administrative exercise has gathered momentum.
Y.B. Khurania’s Distinguished Career
Y.B. Khurania assumed charge as Odisha’s Director General of Police on August 16, 2024, after returning from Central deputation where he served in the Border Security Force (BSF) as Special Director General.
A 1990-batch IPS officer, Khurania has devoted over three decades to policing and public service. Throughout his career, he has held a wide range of operational and leadership assignments across Odisha.
Among his notable postings are:
Superintendent of Police, Nayagarh.
Superintendent of Police, Jajpur.
Superintendent of Police, Rourkela.
Superintendent of Police, Mayurbhanj.
Superintendent of Police, Ganjam.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Southern Range.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Northern Range.
Additional Commissioner of Police.
Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack.
Director-cum-Inspector General, Biju Patnaik State Police Academy.
During his tenure with the BSF, he also served as Special DG (Operations) and later Special DG, Western Command, where he played an important role in strengthening India’s border management and operational preparedness.
His retirement will mark the conclusion of an accomplished policing career that included both state and national security assignments.
Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi Emerges as a Strong Contender
Among the leading names in the race is Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, a 1990-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer currently serving as Director General of Fire Services, Commandant General of Home Guards, and Director of Civil Defence.
Sarangi is widely recognised as one of Odisha’s most respected police officers, known for combining technology, public outreach and modern policing practices. His administrative approach has often been praised for promoting transparency, citizen engagement and innovation in policing.
Impressive Academic Credentials
Dr. Sarangi is regarded as one of the most academically accomplished IPS officers in India. Born in Dhenkanal, Odisha, he completed his graduation in Political Science from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack before pursuing higher studies in multiple disciplines.
His academic qualifications include:
Master of Arts (M.A.).
Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.).
Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Investigative Psychology.
Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
His educational achievements have often complemented his policing career, particularly in areas involving behavioural sciences, criminal investigation and public administration.
Reports also suggest that during his student years, he won more than 100 debate and essay competitions, reflecting his longstanding academic excellence.
Key Assignments Held by Dr. Sarangi
Over a career spanning nearly thirty-five years, Sarangi has handled several significant assignments within Odisha Police. His major postings include:
Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate (2019-2021).
Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Odisha State Police Housing & Welfare Corporation.
Additional Director General of Police, Railways and Coastal Security.
Director General of Fire Services, Home Guards and Civil Defence since May 2023.
His tenure as Police Commissioner during the Covid-19 pandemic earned widespread appreciation for balancing strict law enforcement with humanitarian assistance to citizens.
His recent empanelment by the Central Government for Director General-level positions has further strengthened his prospects for the state’s top police post.
R.P. Koche Also Among Leading Candidates
Another officer receiving considerable attention is R.P. Koche, a 1993-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, who currently serves as Director General of Police-cum-Director of Intelligence.
Known for his expertise in intelligence operations and internal security, Koche has built a reputation as a meticulous and experienced police officer.
Born on August 1, 1968, in Amravati, Maharashtra, he holds a Master’s degree in International Politics, giving him a strong academic foundation alongside his policing experience.
Career Highlights of R.P. Koche
Koche joined the Indian Police Service in September 1993 through direct recruitment. During his long career, he has held several important assignments, including:
Additional Director General of Police, Special Armed Police.
Director of Intelligence since April 2022.
Promoted to the rank of Director General of Police in January 2025.
Empanelled by the Central Government for DG and equivalent-level posts.
His extensive experience in intelligence gathering, internal security planning and strategic policing is considered one of his biggest strengths in the ongoing race.
Decorated Officer With Distinguished Service
Throughout his policing career, R.P. Koche has received several prestigious honours for his professional achievements. His decorations include:
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2020).
Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak (2018).
Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2009).
These awards recognise his contributions to policing, intelligence operations and national internal security.
A Crucial Appointment for Odisha Police
The selection of Odisha’s next Director General of Police comes at an important time when policing responsibilities are becoming increasingly complex.
Apart from maintaining law and order, the next police chief will oversee initiatives relating to cybercrime prevention, intelligence coordination, anti-organised crime operations, disaster response, women’s safety, digital policing and community engagement.
The officer appointed to the post will also guide the modernisation of Odisha Police while strengthening coordination with Central security agencies and neighbouring states.
Decision Expected Soon
With Y.B. Khurania scheduled to demit office on August 16, the coming weeks are expected to witness important administrative developments. Once the UPSC finalises its panel of eligible officers, the Odisha Government will make the final selection.
At present, Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi and R.P. Koche are widely regarded as the leading contenders, thanks to their seniority, distinguished service records and extensive leadership experience. The eventual appointment will shape the future direction of Odisha Police as it prepares to tackle emerging security challenges while strengthening professional policing and public confidence across the state.
