Rajeev Krishna, a senior officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 1991 batch, has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) in Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant moment in the state’s law enforcement leadership. Krishna, with over four years of service left before his retirement in 2029, takes over from the outgoing DGP, Prashant Kumar. His appointment follows a period of frequent leadership changes in the state police force. Krishna’s prior achievements, particularly in managing the state’s largest police recruitment exam and his handling of the aftermath of exam paper leaks, were key factors in his selection.
New Leadership in Uttar Pradesh’s Police Force
On Saturday, Rajeev Krishna, a senior officer of the 1991 batch of the Indian Police Service (IPS), assumed charge as the Director General of Police (DGP) for Uttar Pradesh. This appointment follows a period of significant flux in the state’s police leadership, as Krishna becomes the fifth acting DGP in just three years. His appointment comes at a crucial time as Uttar Pradesh continues to face pressing law enforcement challenges, with Krishna tasked with overseeing the state's law and order situation until at least June 2029, when he is set to retire.
Krishna, 55, becomes one of the youngest officers to hold the position of state police chief, with several years of service ahead of him to lead the force. He takes over from Prashant Kumar, who retired on Saturday, putting an end to speculation about any extension to his tenure. Krishna's selection marks a fresh phase in Uttar Pradesh’s policing, following the removal of the previous full-fledged DGP, Mukul Goel, in May 2022, after allegations of inefficiency.
Challenges in the Police Leadership Transition
Uttar Pradesh’s recent history of police leadership has been tumultuous, with frequent changes in the top post. Rajeev Krishna’s appointment marks a shift in the state’s approach to law enforcement leadership. Since the retirement of the previous DGP, Prashant Kumar, Krishna is now tasked with continuing the administrative oversight of the state police force while also managing several key responsibilities, including those related to vigilance and police recruitment.
Krishna’s appointment also comes at a time when the state government has established new guidelines for selecting the permanent DGP. A rule implemented in November 2024 stipulates that only senior IPS officers with at least six months of service remaining can be considered for the position. This new framework, which focuses on ensuring continuity and stability in leadership, has been critical in shaping Krishna’s appointment.
Rajeev Krishna’s Key Contributions
Rajeev Krishna’s rise to the top of the state police force can be attributed to his past achievements and his effective handling of critical situations in the past year. Notably, Krishna garnered recognition for his successful oversight of the largest police recruitment examination in Uttar Pradesh. His management of the examination was particularly significant given the earlier setbacks the state faced due to back-to-back question paper leaks in February 2024, which led to the cancellation and rescheduling of the exam.
Krishna’s decisive action in the wake of these disruptions demonstrated his ability to manage crises and maintain the integrity of the recruitment process. This, combined with his calm and professional approach, earned him the confidence of the state’s leadership and contributed to his selection as the new DGP.
A Look at the IPS Leadership Over the Years
The transition in Uttar Pradesh’s top police leadership has been marked by uncertainty and change in recent years. Mukul Goel, who served as the last full-fledged DGP, was removed from office in 2022 after allegations of poor performance, particularly concerning his handling of the law and order situation in the state. Since then, there have been multiple interim appointments, with Krishna now becoming the permanent DGP.
Notably, Krishna’s rise is significant as he becomes one of the youngest officers to assume the DGP position in Uttar Pradesh. Prior to Krishna, Sri Ram Arun, a 1963-batch officer, was the youngest IPS officer to hold the post at the age of 57 in 1997. Krishna’s appointment now signifies a new chapter in the leadership of the UP police force, with the prospect of stability following years of uncertainty.
The Future of Uttar Pradesh’s Police Force
As the new Director General of Police, Rajeev Krishna faces the daunting task of steering the Uttar Pradesh Police through a series of challenges. These include maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of citizens, tackling organized crime, and continuing the state’s police modernization efforts. With a proven track record in recruitment and crisis management, Krishna is expected to focus on systemic reforms, improve transparency within the police force, and uphold the integrity of law enforcement in the state.
His leadership will also be critical in addressing the needs of the state’s rapidly growing urban areas and ensuring that the police force is equipped to tackle the evolving nature of crime. Krishna’s tenure could also be pivotal in implementing the state government’s broader vision for policing, which includes modernizing infrastructure, increasing technological integration, and enhancing police training.
Conclusion: A New Era in UP Police Leadership
Rajeev Krishna’s appointment as Uttar Pradesh’s new DGP signals the start of a potentially transformative phase in the state’s law enforcement. With his strong background in crisis management and recruitment, Krishna brings with him the hope of stability, efficiency, and a forward-looking approach to the state police. As he assumes responsibility for the state’s security apparatus, Krishna’s leadership will undoubtedly be under close scrutiny, as Uttar Pradesh continues to navigate its complex policing challenges. His success will largely depend on how effectively he can balance reform, tradition, and innovation in managing one of the country’s largest and most challenging police forces.
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