Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: Amid growing controversy and heightened interest over the selection of Odisha’s next Director General of Police (DGP), prayers were offered at the historic Kapilash shrine in Dhenkanal on Wednesday seeking the appointment of senior IPS officer Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi to the state’s top police post.
The Kapilash Suraksha Parishad and Sevayat Sangha offered prayers before Lord Sri Sri Chandrasekhar Jiu, seeking Sarangi’s appointment as the next DGP. Sarangi, a 1990-batch IPS officer, is currently serving as Director General of Fire Services and Home Guards.
As part of the programme, sevayats lit lamps at the shrine and offered water to the deity. They prayed for Sarangi’s good health, bright future and an opportunity to shoulder greater responsibilities in the service of Odisha.
The Kapilash Suraksha Parishad described Sarangi as an experienced, capable and dedicated police officer with a long record of service to the state and the country. It highlighted his administrative experience, leadership abilities, public-oriented approach and commitment to duty.
The Parishad also described Sarangi as a distinguished son of Dhenkanal, saying that his appointment as Odisha DGP would be a matter of pride for the people of Dhenkanal and the state.
The prayer programme comes against the backdrop of an increasingly contentious selection process for the next Odisha police chief. A meeting of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) selection committee is scheduled in New Delhi on Thursday to shortlist candidates for the post.
The selection process has also reached the Supreme Court, with senior advocate P. Chidambaram filing a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging aspects of the procedure. An urgent hearing has been scheduled before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana.
The controversy intensified after the Odisha government on Monday promoted 1994-batch IPS officers Sanjeeb Panda and Yashwant Jethwa to the rank of Director General. The promotions have expanded the field of eligible officers for consideration for the top post.
Earlier, on the basis of seniority, Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi, Sushant Nath and R.P. Koche were among the officers being considered. However, Sushant Nath’s name was subsequently dropped, while Sanjeeb Panda was reportedly brought into the selection process.
Following Thursday’s UPSC meeting, a panel of three recommended candidates is expected to be forwarded to the Odisha government. The state government will then select one officer from the panel to become the next DGP.
With the selection process now under legal and public scrutiny, the final choice is expected to attract considerable attention.
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