Odisha government initiates selection process for new DGP

Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: In preparation for appointing a new Director General of Police (DGP) for Odisha, the Mohan Majhi administration has requested biodatas and other pertinent information from the three most senior IPS officers currently serving in the state.

The Odisha State Police Headquarters issued a letter on Sunday to Arun Ray and S.M. Narvane from the 1989 batch, and Y.B. Khurania from the 1990 batch, asking them to submit their biodatas, including academic achievements, in a specified format for review by the state Home Department.

This request is a preliminary step before convening the Empanelment Committee, which will propose three candidates to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The UPSC will then select one of these candidates to become the new DGP of Odisha.

Currently, Arun Sarangi, also from the 1990 batch, is serving as the acting head of the Odisha police force since December 2023.

The move follows the recent premature transfer of Khurania, who was previously serving as Special DG of the Border Security Force, back to the state cadre. Additionally, another 1989-batch officer, A.M. Prasad, has been moved to a central deputation as Special DG of the CRPF. As a result, Khurania is now the third senior-most IPS officer in Odisha, leading to speculation that he may be the leading candidate for the DGP position. Meanwhile, Ray is serving as Director of Printing, Stationary, and Publication, while Narvane is assigned as an officer on special duty in the Home Department.