Race Intensifies for West Bengal’s Next DGP: Rajiv Kumar to Retire January 31, Four Senior IPS Officers in Contention
Kolkata: As West Bengal heads into a politically charged season ahead of the Assembly elections, the focus within administrative and political circles has shifted to the appointment of the state’s next Director General of Police (DGP). The current police chief, Rajiv Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, is scheduled to retire on January 31, setting off speculation about who will succeed him.
Political Context Heightens Stakes
The development comes at a time when tensions between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the West Bengal government have escalated following an ED raid on the I-PAC office, sparking sharp exchanges between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Against this backdrop, the appointment of the new DGP is expected to carry significant political weight.
Rajiv Kumar’s Tenure as DGP
Rajiv Kumar assumed charge as West Bengal’s DGP in July 2024. He had earlier taken over the post in December 2023, but was removed by the Election Commission of India during the Lok Sabha elections. Following the conclusion of the electoral process, he was reinstated as the state’s police chief.
Kumar succeeded Manoj Malviya, a 1988-batch IPS officer, who retired from the position. With Kumar now nearing the end of his service tenure, the state government is preparing to announce his successor.
Background and Career of Rajiv Kumar
Hailing from Chandausi district of Uttar Pradesh, Rajiv Kumar is widely regarded as a trusted officer of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. An alumnus of IIT Roorkee, where he earned a B.Tech in Computer Science, Kumar has held several key positions in West Bengal’s policing structure, including:
Commissioner of Kolkata Police
Commissioner of Bidhannagar Police
Chief of the Special Task Force (STF)
His proximity to the Chief Minister and his experience in handling sensitive law-and-order situations have kept him at the center of both administrative and political discussions.
Search for Successor Begins
With Rajiv Kumar’s retirement imminent, sources indicate that four senior IPS officers are currently being considered for the top post.
Four IPS Officers in the Race for DGP Post
Anuj Sharma (1991 batch): Former Commissioner of Kolkata Police, Sharma is regarded as a seasoned officer with extensive experience in urban policing. He hails from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
N. R. Babu (N. Natarajan Ramesh Babu, 1991 batch): A senior officer with multiple postings in West Bengal, Babu is considered administratively experienced and a strong contender.
Siddh Nath Gupta (1992 batch): Currently serving as DGP (Intelligence) in West Bengal, Gupta is known for his expertise in intelligence and internal security. He also hails from Uttar Pradesh.
Piyush Pandey (1993 batch): Another officer from Uttar Pradesh, Pandey has held important responsibilities within the state police setup and is seen as a capable administrator.
Appointment Amid Political Sensitivity
The appointment of the new DGP is expected to be politically sensitive, given the heightened atmosphere in the state and the proximity of the Assembly elections. The choice of the police chief will be closely scrutinized, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions between central agencies and the state government.
As January 31 approaches, all eyes are on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision, which will play a crucial role in shaping West Bengal’s law-and-order strategy in the months leading up to the elections.
