Has the Bengal government nominated eight names for the next DGP appointment?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal government has sent a list of eight IPS officers for the upcoming DGP appointment, including acting DGP Rajeev Kumar. This decision comes after previous procedural lapses. Who will become the next head of the police amid ongoing controversies? Find out more in this unfolding story.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal government has nominated eight senior IPS officers for the DGP role.
- Acting DGP Rajeev Kumar is among the nominees.
- The selection process involves the Union Public Service Commission.
- The previous DGP nomination was returned due to procedural issues.
- Current policing is being managed without a full-time DGP.
Kolkata, Jan 24 (NationPress) The West Bengal administration has forwarded a roster of eight senior IPS officers to the Central government for evaluation as the state’s forthcoming permanent Director General of Police (DGP), as per official information.
The list, dispatched to Delhi on January 21, features acting DGP Rajeev Kumar, who is set to retire on January 31, along with Rajesh Kumar, a 1990 batch IPS officer who claims he was treated unfairly during the selection process. The remaining candidates are Ranveer Kumar, Debashish Roy, Anuj Sharma, Jagmohan, N Ramesh Babu, and Siddhinath Gupta.
As per protocol, the state government presents a panel of senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which subsequently chooses three names and returns them to the state for the final decision.
Sources have indicated that Rajeev Kumar was included for administrative reasons, as he was one of the senior IPS officers in the West Bengal Police at the time of the last permanent DGP, Manoj Malaviya, retiring in December 2023. Officials have stated that his inclusion does not ensure reappointment.
Furthermore, sources suggest that Piyush Pandey, Rajesh Kumar, and Ranveer Kumar are being seriously considered. Pandey, a former SPG officer, currently oversees the security team of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Nevertheless, it remains unclear if the final selection will come from these three candidates.
This marks the second occasion the state has put forward a panel for the DGP role. The prior list, submitted on December 27, 2023, was returned by the UPSC due to procedural errors. According to regulations, the panel should have been provided at least three months prior to Malaviya’s retirement, by September 2023. IPS officer Rajesh Kumar has approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), asserting he was unfairly excluded despite fulfilling all eligibility criteria.
In response to his petition, the Tribunal instructed the state government last Wednesday to resubmit the panel by January 23. The Tribunal also directed the UPSC to convene its Empanelment Committee on January 28 to review the names. The Commission is anticipated to send three shortlisted candidates back to the state government on January 29, after which the state is expected to make a decision promptly.
Currently, West Bengal Police is functioning without a full-time DGP, as Rajeev Kumar remains in an acting role until his retirement on January 31.
Point of View
The ongoing developments regarding the DGP appointment in West Bengal reflect the intricate balance between state governance and central oversight. The selection process, fraught with allegations of unfair treatment and procedural lapses, underlines the importance of transparency and integrity in law enforcement leadership. As the situation evolves, it is crucial for the authorities to uphold the principles of justice and public trust.
NationPress
24/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the nominees for the DGP position in West Bengal?
The nominees include Rajeev Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Ranveer Kumar, Debashish Roy, Anuj Sharma, Jagmohan, N Ramesh Babu, and Siddhinath Gupta.
What is the process for appointing the DGP?
The state government sends a panel of senior IPS officers to the UPSC, which selects three names for the state government to finalize.
Why was the previous panel returned by the UPSC?
The previous panel was returned due to procedural lapses, as it was submitted too late according to regulations.
What is the significance of Rajeev Kumar's inclusion in the list?
Rajeev Kumar's inclusion is primarily for administrative reasons, given his seniority, but does not guarantee his reappointment.
When is Rajeev Kumar's retirement date?
Rajeev Kumar is set to retire on January 31.
