Himachal DGP Sanjay Kundu to retire on April 30, this IPS officer among frontrunners for top police post
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TNR Desk
The hunt for a new Director General of Police (DGP) has commenced in Himachal Pradesh with 1989-batch IPS officer SR Ojha emerging as the frontrunner. The incumbent DGP, Sanjay Kundu, is set to retire on April 30.
If the Himachal government chooses to go by seniority, it appears highly likely that Ojha will assume the role of DGP. Sources said the Home Department will initiate the process for appointing the new DGP this week. Subsequently, after consultation with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approval will be sought from the Election Commission, as per the requirements of the model election code of conduct.
Ojha recently concluded his central deputation where he served as ADG in the CRPF. Currently serving as DG-Jails, Ojha had assumed additional charge as the DGP for 13 days when Kundu took leave in March. Ojha belongs to the same batch as Kundu and is scheduled to retire in May 2025.
Following Ojha in seniority list is Shyam Bhagat Negi, an IPS officer of the 1990 batch. But he is presently on central deputation, making his return to the state less probable. Officers such as Atul Verma of the 1991 batch and Anurag Garg of the 1993 batch are also in the contention. Tapan Kumar Deka of the 1988 batch, senior to both Kundu and Ojha, currently serves as the Director of the IB in Delhi. However, having retired last year, he has been granted a one-year extension.
The decision regarding the new DGP ultimately rests with Chief Minister Sukhu. Despite the customary reshuffling on key posts following a change in power, CM Sukhu retained DGP Kundu, a move that faced internal opposition within the party. When the Congress was in opposition, it had criticised Kundu’s handling of the police constable paper leak but did not remove him upon assuming power.
Due to the upcoming Lok Sabha poll and the Assembly byelections, the post of DGP cannot remain vacant for a long period due to the crucial role of the police in electoral processes. Therefore, the government is expected to expeditiously appoint a new DGP.
