Central Government stays extension of Jharkhand DGP’s term, sends letter to Hemant Soren

Mail News Service

Ranchi, April 28: The central government has intervened in the Jharkhand government’s decision to extend the service of Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta after his retirement, scheduled for April 30. The Union Home Ministry has issued a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, expressing that the decision to retain Anurag Gupta as DGP beyond his retirement date was incorrect. The letter was sent to the Jharkhand government officials as CM Hemant Soren is currently on a foreign trip.

Saryu Roy says DGP’s service will end on April 30

MLA Saryu Roy took to social media to highlight the central government’s stance, posting on X that the Union Home Ministry had deemed the Jharkhand government’s decision to extend Anurag Gupta’s tenure as DGP “wrong.” Roy pointed out that the Home Ministry had clarified that Gupta’s service would end on April 30, 2025, as per the Union government’s directive.

Anurag Gupta, who first assumed the role of in-charge DGP of Jharkhand on July 26, 2024, was removed from the position during the Jharkhand assembly elections by the Election Commission of India. Following the elections, once the Hemant Soren-led government was re-formed, Gupta was reinstated as in-charge DGP on November 28, 2024.

In an attempt to formalize his appointment, the state government issued a rule outlining the process for DGP appointments and subsequently notified Anurag Gupta as the permanent DGP of the state. The rule stipulated a two-year tenure, which, under the current arrangement, would see Gupta’s term extend until July 26, 2026.

However, with the central government’s intervention, Gupta’s service will come to an end on April 30, 2025. The Union Home Ministry’s stance has raised questions regarding the validity of the state government’s decision to extend his tenure.

At present, Anurag Gupta’s appointment process is under scrutiny, with the Union Home Ministry questioning the state’s authority to extend his term. It remains unclear whether the Jharkhand government will take further action in response to the central government’s directive. The outcome of this situation will depend on the government’s next move, which is expected soon.