In a decisive move towards the appointment of a new state police chief for Kerala, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) selection team has finalized three candidates from the list proposed by the Pinarayi Vijayan-led state government. The meeting took place in New Delhi on June 26.
The selection team, comprising officials from both the Union and Kerala governments, including Kerala Chief Secretary A Jayatilak and outgoing DGP Sheikh Darvesh Saheb, was tasked with screening the list of top Indian Police Service (IPS) officers for the position.
Among the finalists are Yogesh Gupta, Ravadha Chandrasekhar, and Nitin Agarwal. Their names were forwarded to the Union Home Ministry for further consideration and approval. The appointment is expected to be formalized in the coming weeks.
The selection of a new police chief comes at a time when Kerala is grappling with several high-profile cases and growing concerns over law and order, particularly in the wake of the Sabarimala protests last year. The incumbent, DGP Sheikh Darvesh Saheb, who has been serving in this position since 2017, will be retiring soon.
The new appointee is expected to face a challenging task, given the complexities of managing law and order in Kerala, a state known for its unique socio-political dynamics and high literacy rate. However, the candidate selected from the list of finalists is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to address these challenges effectively.
As the selection process moves forward, it remains to be seen who will take up the mantle as the next Kerala state police chief. Until then, citizens of Kerala await the official announcement with bated breath.
