Leadership Gaps Widen In Uttar Pradesh Police As Key DG Posts Remain Vacant Amid Senior Retirements

Uttar Pradesh's police force is facing a growing number of top level vacancies, raising concerns about leadership stability. The crucial post of Director General (DG) of Intelligence has remained unfilled since the retirement of Devendra Singh Chauhan on March 31, 2023, with ADG Bhagwan Swaroop currently managing affairs. This role is vital for providing direct intelligence to the Chief Minister, a function typically handled by a DG rank officer.

Further exacerbating the situation, DG Fire Service Aditya Mishra retired on June 30, and DG Home Guard B.K. Maurya is set to retire on July 31. The Special Task Force (STF) has been led by Amitabh Yash for eight years, who now also holds the charge of ADG Law and Order, indicating a lack of dedicated leadership for the STF. The upcoming retirement of ADG Gorakhpur Zone K.S. Pratap Kumar on July 1, who is set for a DG promotion, also leaves the command of this significant zone open. There are speculations he might take over as DG Fire Service, but a final decision is pending.

Currently, four DG-rank officers hold multiple charges, including DGP Rajiv Krishna (also DG Vigilance).

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Dipesh Juneja (CID and Prosecution), Neera Rawat (UP 112 and EOW), and Prem Chandra Meena (Police Housing Corporation and DG Jail).

Several ADG-rank officers also manage dual responsibilities. Meanwhile, senior IPS officer Renuka Mishra, a 1990-batch officer, and Anand Swaroop, a promoted DG-rank officer, are awaiting significant postings.

These vacancies, coupled with the retirement of four IPS officers on June 30 (including DG Fire Service Aditya Mishra), highlight a persistent challenge in filling critical leadership positions within the state police force.

Further changes are anticipated after the Muharram and Kanwar Yatra periods.