Spark News India Igniting Minds Daily
Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Kundu, an IPS officer from the 1989 batch, is set to retire on Tuesday, marking the end of a tumultuous tenure marked by legal battles and administrative challenges.
Kundu gained national attention for his involvement in the legal proceedings against Palampur-based businessman Nishant Sharma, a case that stirred controversy and had repercussions on Kundu’s career trajectory. In December 2023, the Himachal Pradesh High Court directed Kundu’s removal from his post as DGP following a plea filed by Sharma. However, Kundu contested this decision in the Supreme Court, which subsequently stayed the high court’s order in January.
As Kundu bids farewell to his position, the spotlight shifts to the selection of his successor. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is expected to choose from among three senior IPS officers for the coveted post. Tapan Kumar Deka (1988 batch), S R Ojha (1989 batch), and Shyam Bhagat Negi (1990 batch) are the frontrunners for the position.
Deka and Negi are presently on central deputation, with Deka slated to retire on June 30. Deka has served as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) during his central deputation, while Negi holds the post of Special Secretary at the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, Delhi. Ojha, the current Director General of Prisons in Himachal Pradesh, returned from central deputation after serving as Additional Director General (ADG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) last year.
The state government, in accordance with Supreme Court directives, will select one IPS officer from the trio to assume the role of DGP. The selection process will involve obtaining permission from the Election Commission of India (ECI) through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), State Election Commission, ensuring adherence to established protocols.
In the interim, during Kundu’s recent leave of absence, Ojha was entrusted with additional responsibilities as acting DGP for a period of 13 days, highlighting the transitional phase within the state police hierarchy.
As Sanjay Kundu concludes his tenure, the selection of the next DGP will undoubtedly shape the future course of law enforcement in Himachal Pradesh.
