Amaravati (28.12.2024): The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated the process of selecting a new Director General of Police (DGP) as the incumbent DGP Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao (IPS: 1989: AP) is set to retire in January, 2025. Rao is unlikely to get extension who was appointed state police chief on June 20, 2024. Gupta’s appointment as DGP by the Election Commission of India during the elections bolsters his candidacy, and his strong rapport with BJP leaders at the Centre further strengthens his position.

There are 10 DG-rank officers eligible for the post with Madireddy Pratap (IPS: 1991: AP), and Harish Kumar Gupta (IPS: 1992: AP), Vigilance and Enforcement DG, being the frontrunners. Some other officers included PSR Anjaneyulu (IPS: 1992: AP) who is under suspension, while former DGP Kasireddy Rajendranath Reddy (IPS: 1992: AP) is facing disciplinary action from the Election Commission of India. Other potential contenders in the reckoning is Anjani Kumar (IPS: 1990: AP) while Nalin Prabhat (IPS: 1992: AP), Dr Mahesh Dixit (IPS: 1993: AP) and Amit Garg (IPS: 1993: AP) are currently on central deputation.