LUCKNOW — In a major administrative move, the state government officially stabilized its top law enforcement hierarchy. The landmark Uttar Pradesh appoints permanent DGP directive formally concluded a four-year phase of leadership transition on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The administration selected highly decorated 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rajeev Krishna as the regular Director General of Police. This critical appointment provides much-needed continuity to a massive security force comprising nearly 300,000 personnel across 75 districts.
The significant decision marks the first time since 2022 that the state will have a non-interim chief. Rajeev Krishna previously stepped into the role of acting police chief in May 2025, succeeding Prashant Kumar. Additionally, he has concurrently managed crucial responsibilities as the Director General of the state’s Vigilance Establishment bureau. Because he possesses an extensive career runway remaining before his retirement in June 2029, he enjoys ample time to execute long-term structural reforms.
Also Read : Ghaziabad Teen Murder Case: Main Accused Asad Killed in Police Encounter
Ending a Prolonged Interim Era in State Police Governance
The state’s apex police headquarters had operated without a regular, full-time leader for forty-eight months. The long phase of ad-hoc appointments began when the government removed regular DGP Mukul Goel in 2022. Consequently, a succession of four separate acting chiefs subsequently managed day-to-day administrative operations over the following years. This temporary roster included senior officers D. S. Chauhan, R. K. Vishwakarma, Vijay Kumar, and the recently departed Prashant Kumar.
Moreover, top policymakers chose Krishna due to his exceptional track record in resolving complex administrative crises. Following the high-profile cancellation of the 2024 constable recruitment test over paper leaks, the government entrusted him with salvage operations. Under his strict supervision, the state successfully executed a fresh recruitment process for over 60,000 constables. Independent observers widely praised this massive exercise for its absolute transparency, advanced digital monitoring, and exceptional efficiency.
A Highly Decorated Three-Decade Career in Operational Leadership
Born in Lucknow on June 20, 1969, the new police chief holds an engineering degree in Electronics and Communication. After clearing the civil services examination in 1991, he quickly built a stellar reputation for maintaining an unblemished image. Over three decades of service, he has held critical leadership positions in challenging fields across northern India. Notably, he served as Superintendent of Police in sensitive districts, including Mathura, Etawah, Agra, Noida, and Lucknow.
Additionally, his professional legacy includes building the core foundation of the state’s specialized counter-terrorism infrastructure. As the founding chief of the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), he drafted the operational blueprint that still guides modern counter-terror actions. At the federal level, he served as Inspector General of Operations within the Border Security Force (BSF). During his border tenure, he implemented advanced sensor-based surveillance arrays along sensitive international boundaries.
Pioneering Technology-Driven Reforms and Cybercrime Safety Frameworks
Within elite law enforcement circles, Krishna remains a passionate advocate for deploying modern technology to combat street crime. While commanding the Agra Zone as Additional Director General, he conceptualized and launched the innovative Operation Pehchaan app. This mobile platform allowed field officers to systematically log, identify, and track prolific repeat offenders in real time. Furthermore, he digitized crucial evidence storage records by implementing modern e-Malkhana tracking networks in local police stations.
Additionally, the new chief has consistently championed data-driven tracking for women’s beat policing units and local Anti-Romeo squads. As cyberthreats escalate globally, he intends to expand specialized cybercrime investigation wings to every district. The official notification that Uttar Pradesh appoints permanent DGP structures signals an aggressive push toward smart, tech-led policing models. This strategic shift will likely focus on optimizing resource distribution while significantly improving the public image of the police force.
Conclusion: Securing Long-Term Stability for Regional Peace
Ultimately, having Uttar Pradesh appoints permanent DGP parameters established provides immense institutional stability to the regional administration. Rajeev Krishna’s unique blend of ground-level field experience and technical expertise positions him well to tackle modern security threats. By replacing temporary measures with stable leadership, the state can now confidently implement comprehensive long-term safety policies. Moving forward, citizens can expect a highly modernized, accountable, and responsive police force dedicated to upholding public harmony.