The state Assembly election is no doubt the moot conversation in corridors of power but whispers about the top cop’s retirement have been making quite a din. State police chief Ashish Bhatia’s superannuation has been deferred by two months and he will formally retire in July. Ashish Bhatia, a 1985-batch IPS officer, is known for his interest in investigation. He has indeed worked tirelessly in getting to the root of several cases, including the infamous Ahmedabad blasts. He will, in most likelihood, be succeeded by the 1987 batch Sanjay Srivastava.
How is the DGP appointed?
According to rules, the state government sends in a list of probables for the next DGP to UPSC in Delhi. In this case, three names, already in harness in the state, were shortlisted. The names are empanelled only if at least six months are left to their retirement. In some cases, if a senior officer is on deputation and would like to serve as the state police chief, he must return to the state to qualify for the empanelment.
Former Ahmedabad Police Commissioner A.K.Singh also stood a chance?
Senior cop, A.K.Singh, a 1985 batch officer was an obvious choice but his retirement is due in less than six months. Officer Ashish Bhatia was given an extension in wake of the pandemic to ensure continuity in law enforcement. The protracted office in some ways encroached upon top cop Shivanand Jha’s prospects of helming the police force.
The list compiled is on basis of seniority
The names in the fray include Sanjay Srivastava, Atul Karwal and Vikas Sahai. With Atul Karwal on deputation, he must return to Gujarat to make it to the final count. In case he does not, Anil Pratham’s name will be shortlisted.
How long is the DGP’s term?
According to guidelines, a state police chief’s posting lasts two years, in which he cannot be removed. However, it is not rare that the top cop’s service has been extended owing to various factors. Cases in point include, UP, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where the DGP’s charge has been stretched beyond the stipulated two years.
