Why Rajeev Krishna Became Uttar Pradesh’s First Permanent DGP in Four Years: Inside the Journey of the 1991-Batch IPS Officer
After nearly four years of functioning without a permanent police chief, Uttar Pradesh has finally chosen a full-time Director General of Police. The appointment of senior IPS officer Rajeev Krishna marks the end of a prolonged phase of interim leadership and opens a new chapter for the country’s largest police force.
A 1991-batch IPS officer, Rajeev Krishna has officially been entrusted with the responsibility of leading Uttar Pradesh Police on a permanent basis. Having already served as acting DGP since May 2025, he now assumes the position with full authority and is expected to remain at the helm until his retirement in June 2029.
His appointment is being viewed as more than a routine administrative decision. It reflects the government’s preference for an officer who combines extensive field experience, organisational leadership, technological orientation, and a proven record of handling some of the state’s most challenging policing assignments.
With nearly three years left in service, Rajeev Krishna is expected to provide a rare period of continuity at the top of Uttar Pradesh Police, something the force has lacked since 2022.
Bringing an End to Four Years of Uncertainty
The appointment carries particular significance because Uttar Pradesh has not had a regular DGP for almost four years.
The last officer to hold the position on a full-time basis was Mukul Goel, whose tenure ended in 2022. Since then, the state’s police leadership has passed through a series of acting chiefs.
Several senior officers, including D.S. Chauhan, R.K. Vishwakarma, Vijay Kumar, Prashant Kumar, and later Rajeev Krishna, occupied the position in an interim capacity.
While the force continued to function effectively, the absence of a long-term police chief often raised questions about leadership continuity, strategic planning, and institutional stability.
The government’s decision to formally elevate Rajeev Krishna is expected to address those concerns and provide a clearer direction for future policing reforms.
Why Rajeev Krishna Emerged as the Preferred Choice
Multiple factors appear to have worked in Rajeev Krishna’s favour.
For one, he has built a reputation as a results-oriented officer capable of handling both operational and administrative responsibilities.
His supporters within policing circles often point to three major strengths:
Extensive field policing experience
Strong focus on technology and modernisation
Proven ability to manage large-scale administrative projects
Over the years, he has handled assignments ranging from district policing and anti-terror operations to training, vigilance, recruitment, and headquarters administration.
This broad exposure made him one of the most well-rounded candidates for the state’s top policing position.
Officials familiar with the selection process indicate that his successful leadership of one of India’s largest police recruitment exercises played a particularly important role in strengthening his candidature.
Selected Through the UPSC Process
The appointment followed the standard procedure laid down for selecting state police chiefs.
A panel of eligible senior IPS officers was prepared and considered through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) mechanism.
Rajeev Krishna was among the shortlisted officers whose names were forwarded for consideration.
After evaluating the panel, the Uttar Pradesh government approved his appointment as the permanent DGP.
His relatively long remaining tenure also worked in his favour. Unlike many senior officers nearing retirement, Rajeev Krishna can continue in office until June 2029, giving the government an opportunity to implement long-term policing initiatives under stable leadership.
Early Years in Policing
Rajeev Krishna’s policing journey began soon after joining the Indian Police Service in 1991.
Like many young IPS officers, he started with field assignments that exposed him to grassroots policing and law-and-order management.
His early postings included serving as Assistant Superintendent of Police in:
Allahabad
Bareilly
Kanpur
Aligarh
These assignments allowed him to gain practical experience in crime control, public order management, and police administration.
His first major city posting came when he was appointed Superintendent of Police (City), Aligarh.
Shortly afterward, he received his first independent district assignment as Superintendent of Police, Firozabad, in May 1997.
Leadership Across Key Districts
As his career progressed, Rajeev Krishna was entrusted with leadership responsibilities in several strategically important districts.
Over the years, he served as Senior Superintendent of Police in:
Etawah
Mathura
Fatehgarh
Bulandshahr
Noida
Agra
Each district presented different policing challenges, ranging from communal sensitivity and organised crime to rapid urbanisation and public order management.
These experiences helped shape his reputation as a capable field officer with strong operational instincts.
The Officer Who Led Lucknow Twice
One of the most distinctive aspects of Rajeev Krishna’s career has been his association with Lucknow.
He is widely regarded as the only IPS officer to have headed the state’s capital police establishment on two separate occasions.
His first tenure as SSP Lucknow began in December 2006.
Later, after administrative restructuring led to the creation of DIG-level leadership positions in major cities, he was once again assigned responsibility for the capital.
Being chosen twice for such an important posting reflected the confidence successive administrations placed in his leadership abilities.
Building and Modernising the UP ATS
Perhaps one of the most defining chapters of Rajeev Krishna’s career came through his association with the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
The ATS was established during a period when the state was grappling with multiple terror-related threats and security challenges.
Rajeev Krishna became one of the early officers tasked with building and strengthening the specialised unit.
As Deputy Inspector General of ATS, he focused heavily on modernisation.
His efforts included:
Introducing advanced investigative technologies
Enhancing intelligence capabilities
Strengthening operational infrastructure
Improving specialised training systems
Many officers credit his tenure with laying the foundation for the technologically advanced ATS structure that exists today.
His work in this area earned him recognition as an officer who understood the growing importance of technology in modern policing.
Valuable Experience with the BSF
Between 2012 and 2017, Rajeev Krishna served on deputation with the Border Security Force (BSF).
The assignment expanded his exposure beyond state policing and introduced him to national security operations and border management.
His years with the BSF added another dimension to his professional profile, providing experience in handling complex security environments and inter-agency coordination.
After returning to Uttar Pradesh, he resumed senior leadership positions within the state police establishment.
Senior Leadership Roles Before Becoming DGP
Following his return from central deputation, Rajeev Krishna occupied several high-profile assignments.
These included:
ADG, Moradabad Police Academy
ADG, Lucknow Zone
ADG, Agra Zone
ADG Vigilance
Each assignment expanded his administrative experience and strengthened his understanding of different aspects of policing.
His tenure in training institutions was particularly important because it allowed him to influence the professional development of future police officers.
Meanwhile, his vigilance role exposed him to issues relating to accountability, integrity, and institutional oversight.
The Recruitment Assignment That Changed Everything
One of the biggest tests of Rajeev Krishna’s career came in 2024.
The Uttar Pradesh Police constable recruitment examination faced a major controversy after allegations of a paper leak led to its cancellation.
The issue generated widespread public attention and raised concerns regarding the credibility of the recruitment process.
In March 2024, the state government entrusted Rajeev Krishna with the responsibility of heading the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board.
The task before him was enormous.
He had to rebuild confidence in the system, conduct a fresh examination, ensure transparency, and complete the process without controversy.
The outcome significantly enhanced his standing within the administration.
Under his supervision, more than 60,000 constables were recruited through one of the largest police hiring exercises ever conducted in India.
The examination process was completed with extensive technological safeguards, strict monitoring systems, and enhanced transparency measures.
Most importantly, the recruitment concluded smoothly, helping restore public confidence in the system.
Many observers believe this achievement played a crucial role in his eventual elevation as DGP.
Priorities as Uttar Pradesh Police Chief
Soon after assuming charge as permanent DGP, Rajeev Krishna outlined several priorities for the force.
Among the key focus areas are:
Tackling Organised Crime
The Uttar Pradesh government continues to pursue a policy of strong action against organised criminal networks. Rajeev Krishna has reiterated that the police will continue targeting criminal syndicates and repeat offenders.
Combating Cybercrime
With digital fraud and cyber offences rising rapidly, strengthening cyber policing capabilities has become a major priority.
The DGP has emphasised the need to improve technological capacity and enhance cyber investigation capabilities across districts.
Women’s Safety
Protecting women remains one of the force’s core objectives.
Officials indicate that efforts aimed at improving safety, response mechanisms, and victim support systems will continue to receive attention.
Public Confidence and Community Safety
Rajeev Krishna has repeatedly stressed that policing must ultimately focus on creating a secure environment for ordinary citizens, businesses, and vulnerable groups.
Stability at the Top
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Rajeev Krishna’s appointment is the stability it brings.
For the first time since 2022, Uttar Pradesh Police has a permanent chief with enough remaining service to pursue long-term reforms.
His tenure offers an opportunity to strengthen technology-driven policing, modernise investigative systems, improve cybercrime capabilities, expand training initiatives, and further professionalise the force.
Having served in district policing, anti-terror operations, recruitment, vigilance, training, headquarters administration, and national security assignments, Rajeev Krishna brings one of the most diverse professional portfolios among senior IPS officers in the state.
As Uttar Pradesh enters a new phase under permanent leadership, expectations are high that his experience, administrative skills, and focus on modernisation will help shape the future of policing in India’s most populous state for years to come.
