Race for Gujarat’s top cop heats up : Who will succeed DGP Vikas Sahay?

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — As Gujarat’s Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay prepares to retire at the end of June, the corridors of power are buzzing with intense speculation over his successor. The process to appoint the next head of the Gujarat police force is officially underway, with the state government having forwarded a panel of five senior officers to the central government for consideration. The decision carries significant weight, as the chosen officer will lead the state’s entire police apparatus for a crucial two-year tenure, unless exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise.

DGP Vikas Sahay’s retirement on June 30 marks the end of a tenure that saw him in a top leadership role after years in relatively less prominent postings. His appointment had been notable given his background, and his final term saw the ongoing scrutiny of the SMC CID crime, though he was not seen to act strictly against local police “involved in certain activities,” leading to some media attention.

The succession race is typically a closely watched affair in bureaucratic circles, often characterized by subtle lobbying and strategic positioning. “The post of DGP is not just about seniority; it’s about trust and aligning with the government’s vision for law and order,” stated a retired senior IPS officer, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. “Governments prefer officers they can work seamlessly with, especially given the two-year fixed term mandated by Supreme Court guidelines.”

According to seniority, the names of Dr. K.L.N. Rao and G.S. Malik (currently Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner) are prominently discussed as frontrunners. Malik, in particular, is widely perceived as being close to the current government. While these two appear to be strong contenders, other names are also in the mix, adding layers of complexity to the selection process.

The selection of a DGP in India is governed by Supreme Court directives, stemming from the landmark Prakash Singh case of 2006. These guidelines emphasize transparency and merit, requiring state governments to send a panel of eligible officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at least three months before the incumbent DGP’s retirement. The UPSC then shortlists three officers based on seniority, service record, and experience, from which the state government must choose. The selected DGP is mandated a minimum tenure of two years, irrespective of their superannuation date, to ensure stability in leadership and curb political interference.

Historically, Gujarat has largely adhered to the seniority principle, avoiding supersession, where a junior officer is appointed over a senior one. Such moves can lead to significant resentment within the IPS cadre. In cases where the top senior officer is not favored, governments have sometimes opted for an “in-charge DGP” to avoid direct controversy, though this practice is generally discouraged by Supreme Court guidelines.

Previous DGPs, like Shivanand Jha and Ashish Bhatia, both received extensions, demonstrating the government’s flexibility in retaining officers deemed effective. Shivanand Jha, known for his tough image, served for an extended period during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the police force on its toes. Ashish Bhatia also received an extension, which notably led to former IPS Sanjay Srivastava missing his chance to become DGP due to having less than six months left before retirement.

The current list of potential successors, based on their retirement dates, includes:

Dr. Shamsher Singh: Currently on central deputation with the BSF, making his chances seem lower.

Manoj Agarwal: Set to retire in four months (October 2025), likely putting him out of the race due to the two-year tenure rule.

Dr. K. L. N. Rao: Retiring in October 2027, making him a strong contender for the full two-year term.

G.S. Malik: Retiring in October 2028, also a strong contender, potentially after Rao.

Dr. Neerja Gotru: Retiring in November 2029.

IPS Manoj Shashidhar: Retiring in November 2030.

Raju Bhargava: Retiring in August 2026.

Bureaucratic whispers also suggest a slim possibility of a short extension for Vikas Sahay himself.