Who will be Gujarat’s next DGP? Speculation grows as Vikas Sahay nears retirement

Gandhinagar : With Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay set to retire by June-end, discussions in bureaucratic circles are intensifying over who will take over as the state’s top cop. The appointment comes amid internal power struggles within the Gujarat Police, making the decision even more crucial for the government.

Lobbying Intensifies for DGP Position

As the race for the next Gujarat DGP heats up, strong lobbying is underway within the Indian Police Service (IPS) community. Some factions are pushing for an extension of Sahay’s tenure, while others see this as an opportunity to bring in fresh leadership. The Haryana and Rajasthan IPS lobbies are currently the most influential, further complicating the selection process.

Amidst this internal cold war, government insiders suggest that a non-controversial officer with a strong grasp of the state’s crime scenario may be chosen to avoid further friction. One possible scenario is a three-month extension for Sahay or the appointment of Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police (CP) G S Malik as the next DGP.

Who Are the Leading Contenders?

With Dr. Shamsher Singh already on central deputation, several names are being considered. However, Manoj Agrawal (1991 batch), who retires in September, is unlikely to be appointed for just a few months.

Currently, Dr. K L N Rao (1992 batch) is the most senior officer in the race, with a retirement date in October 2027. If appointed, he would have a long tenure. However, his prolonged side-track posting in the jail department and perceived lack of strong government backing make his appointment less likely.

This leaves G S Malik (1993 batch) as the most probable candidate. Despite not being the senior-most officer, Malik has earned the trust of the BJP high command due to his impressive track record. Originally from Haryana, he has served in key positions in Gujarat, including additional CP of Vadodara, Joint CP, Ahmedabad special branch, home secretary and BSF commander during central deputation.

His experience in both policing and administration makes him a top contender for DGP, even though he ranks lower in seniority.

Traditionally, Gujarat’s IPS power structure was dominated by southern and northern lobbies, but today, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat factions are actively influencing key appointments.

Additionally, a shift in police culture is underway. New IPS officers are less bound by traditional hierarchies, where juniors were once expected to show deference to seniors after transfers. This evolving dynamic reflects a more professional approach within the force.

Adding to the discussions, a recent incident involving a young IPS officer attending a Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad while on duty has raised concerns about professionalism within the force. The officer, who was reportedly on medical leave, was later spotted enjoying the concert in casual attire, sparking internal debates about discipline and ethics in Gujarat Police.

While the final call on Gujarat’s next DGP rests with the state government, all eyes are on whether Sahay gets an extension or if Malik takes over. With internal lobbying, political backing, and seniority considerations at play, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future leadership of Gujarat Police.