As DGP Jitender’s retirement nears, corridors of power abuzz with succession speculations
With Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Anjani Kumar Jitender (IPS:1992:TG) scheduled to retire on September 30, attention has swiftly shifted to the race for the state’s top police position. Reliable sources indicate that the contest has effectively narrowed to two senior IPS officers: Hyderabad City Police Commissioner C V Anand (IPS:1991:TG) and Intelligence Chief B Shivadhar Reddy (IPS:1994:TG).
According to insiders, the government is already informally evaluating successors to both Anand and Reddy, reinforcing their status as the leading contenders for the coveted post.
CV Anand Slightly Ahead in the Race
Sources familiar with the developments suggest that CV Anand currently enjoys a marginal edge over Shivadhar Reddy. A decorated officer, Anand has built a strong reputation for introducing reforms in the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate. His career includes key assignments such as Cyberabad Commissioner and Director of Civil Supplies.
Anand’s proactive leadership in urban policing, traffic management, and handling sensitive law and order situations has earned him widespread recognition.
Shivadhar Reddy Remains a Strong Challenger
B Shivadhar Reddy, the state’s Intelligence Chief, remains a formidable contender. A 1994-batch officer, he has held significant roles across intelligence, law and order, and policy-level policing. Known for his close rapport with the political leadership and his discreet yet effective intelligence operations, Reddy is considered a serious rival to Anand.
Succession Buzz Strengthens Their Case
Speculation over potential successors to Anand and Reddy in their current posts underscores their strong chances of elevation.
If CV Anand is appointed DGP, possible names for Hyderabad Police Commissioner include:
V C Sajjanar (IPS:1996:TG) – MD, TSRTC
Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat (IPS:1995:TG) – ADGP, Law & Order
Stephen Ravindra (IPS:1999:TG) – ADGP, Greyhounds
D S Chauhan (IPS:1997:TG) – Principal Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies
Y Nagi Reddy (IPS:1997:TG) – DG, Fire Services
If Shivadhar Reddy is appointed DGP, possible successors to the Intelligence Chief include:
Ramesh Masthipuram (IPS:2005:TG) – IG
V C Sajjanar – whose name continues to feature prominently for multiple posts
Other Names in the Fray
Should the government prefer to look beyond the top two, a few other senior officers may be considered, though they are regarded as outside contenders at this stage:
Shikha Goel (IPS:1994:TG) – Director, Cyber Security Bureau
Sowmya Mishra (IPS:1994:TG) – DG, Prisons
A Vinay Prabhakar (IPS:1994:TG) – on central deputation with the Intelligence Bureau
Final Call with the State Government
While both Anand and Reddy are eligible and well-qualified, the ultimate decision rests with Telangana’s political leadership, which is expected to weigh seniority, performance, regional balance, and political considerations before announcing the next DGP.
