Major IPS Reshuffle in Madhya Pradesh: Sanjay Kumar Takes Over as Bhopal Police Commissioner
In a significant administrative overhaul, the Madhya Pradesh home department on Thursday announced the transfer of 14 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, restructuring key field commands and headquarters portfolios across the state. The most prominent change sees Sanjay Kumar appointed as the new police commissioner of Bhopal, the state capital.
Key Appointments and Transfers
Sanjay Kumar, who previously served as Inspector General (IG) of the Balaghat range, replaces Harinarayanchari Mishra as Bhopal police commissioner. Mishra has been shifted to the police headquarters, where he will assume the role of IG for the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB).
The reshuffle also moves Umesh Joga, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Ujjain range, out of active policing duties. He has been appointed as the transport commissioner, marking a shift in his career trajectory.
Headquarters Restructuring
At the police headquarters, several senior officers have been reassigned to new responsibilities:
- Pankaj Kumar Srivastava has been re-designated as Special Director General (DG) for both the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Vigilance. He will relinquish his previous charges of Anti-Naxal Operations and the Special Task Force (STF).
- Anant Kumar Singh, who recently returned from central deputation, has been posted as Special DG and Managing Director of the MP Police Housing Corporation.
- KP Venkateswara Rao, previously ADG Narcotics, has been moved to ADG Technical Services, with an additional charge of ADG Anti-Naxal Operations.
- D Srinivas Verma, ADG at the Police Headquarters (PHQ), will now head the ADG Narcotics division and also hold additional charge of ADG STF.
Field Posting Changes
The reshuffle has also impacted several field postings across Madhya Pradesh:
- Rakesh Gupta has been appointed as IG for the Ujjain range.
- Abhay Singh has been shifted from IG Bhopal Rural to IG Planning at the PHQ.
- Sanjay Tiwari moves from Planning to take over as IG Bhopal Rural.
- Chaitra N has been posted as IG Shahdol.
- Lalit Shakyawar will head the Balaghat range, filling the vacancy left by Sanjay Kumar.
Additional Charges and Appointments
In other notable changes, Anshuman Yadav, ADG, has been given additional charge as Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare department. Meanwhile, Vivek Sharma, the outgoing transport commissioner, has been posted as ADG for the Police Training and Research Institute (PTRI) at the PHQ.
This comprehensive reshuffle aims to optimize police administration and enhance operational efficiency across Madhya Pradesh, with Sanjay Kumar's appointment as Bhopal police commissioner being a central highlight of the restructuring efforts.
