Rajesh Kumar takes charge as Arunachal Pradesh DGP, succeeds Jamwal
Synopsis
The Ministry of Home Affairs swapped Arunachal Pradesh's top cop just months into the incumbent's tenure. Rajesh Kumar, a 1995-batch IPS officer returning from central deputation, took charge on 6 November — his immediate brief: combat drug trafficking, strengthen community policing, and steady a force in one of India's most strategically sensitive border states.
Key Takeaways
Rajesh Kumar , a 1995-batch IPS officer , took charge as DGP of Arunachal Pradesh on 6 November 2026 .
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cleared his appointment on 3 November 2026 .
He succeeds Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal , who served as state DGP for less than a year after joining in January 2026 and has been transferred to Delhi .
Home Minister Mama Natung welcomed Kumar and discussed priorities including drug trafficking , community policing , and border security .
Kumar was accorded a guard of honour at the Arunachal Pradesh Police headquarters in Itanagar .
Senior IPS officer Rajesh Kumar on Friday, 6 November 2026, formally assumed charge as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Arunachal Pradesh, succeeding Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal, a 1995-batch IPS officer who has been transferred to Delhi. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had cleared the appointment on 3 November, paving the way for the leadership transition at the state police headquarters in Itanagar.
Key Developments
Rajesh Kumar, also a 1995-batch IPS officer, was returning from central deputation when the MHA formalised his appointment as the new state police chief. The Arunachal Pradesh Police accorded him a guard of honour at the state police headquarters in Itanagar to mark his assumption of charge. Kumar subsequently held a meeting with senior police officials to interact with the department's top leadership.
What the Home Minister Said
Shortly after taking charge, Rajesh Kumar met Mama Natung, the state's Home and Inter-State Border Affairs Minister, who extended his best wishes. In a post on his official X account, Natung wrote, 'Extended a warm welcome to Shri Rajesh Kumar, IPS (1995 batch), on assuming charge as the Director General of Police, Arunachal Pradesh, and conveyed my best wishes for a successful tenure.' The minister also said he had an 'insightful discussion' with the new DGP on strengthening peace and security, promoting community policing, and intensifying the fight against the drug menace to protect the state's youth.
Outgoing Chief Jamwal's Brief Tenure
Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal, who served as the DGP of Ladakh before joining the Arunachal Pradesh Police in January 2026, held the post for less than a year before the latest transfer to Delhi. The Arunachal Pradesh Police bid him farewell on Thursday, marking the close of a relatively short stint as state police chief.
Priorities for the New DGP
The appointment of Rajesh Kumar is expected to bring fresh direction to law enforcement in the state. Arunachal Pradesh's security challenges include drug trafficking, inter-state border management, and community policing in remote and difficult terrain. This comes amid broader concerns about the drug menace affecting the state's youth — a priority the new DGP and the Home Minister explicitly flagged in their first meeting. The Arunachal Pradesh Police, on its official X handle, said it looked forward to Kumar's 'leadership and guidance' in continuing its commitment to 'peace, safety and security across the state.'
Point of View
Rather than from within the state cadre, suggests Delhi values a degree of direct alignment in Arunachal's law-enforcement direction. How quickly he can operationalise the drug-menace and community-policing agenda flagged in his very first meeting will be the real measure of this appointment.
NationPress
6 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Director General of Police of Arunachal Pradesh?
Rajesh Kumar, a 1995-batch IPS officer, is the new DGP of Arunachal Pradesh. He formally assumed charge on 6 November 2026 after returning from central deputation, following his appointment by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 3 November 2026.
Who did Rajesh Kumar replace as Arunachal Pradesh DGP?
Rajesh Kumar succeeded Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal, also a 1995-batch IPS officer, who served as Arunachal Pradesh DGP for less than a year after joining in January 2026. Jamwal has been transferred to Delhi.
Why was there a change in the Arunachal Pradesh police chief?
The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the transfer of incumbent DGP Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal to Delhi, necessitating the appointment of a new state police chief. No specific reason for the transfer was officially stated in reports.
What are the key priorities for the new Arunachal Pradesh DGP?
Home Minister Mama Natung and the new DGP discussed strengthening peace and security, promoting community policing, and intensifying the fight against drug trafficking to protect the state's youth. These were flagged as immediate priorities at their first meeting on 6 November 2026.
Where did Rajesh Kumar serve before becoming Arunachal Pradesh DGP?
Rajesh Kumar was returning from central deputation at the time of his appointment as DGP. The specific central posting he held was not detailed in official statements.
