Rajeev Krishna Named Acting DGP of Uttar Pradesh After Prashant Kumar’s Exit
Senior IPS officer known for clean recruitment drive takes top police post amid political scrutiny
Lucknow : The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed Rajeev Krishna, a 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the acting Director General of Police (DGP) following the retirement of former DGP Prashant Kumar. The decision was made official through a government notification on Saturday.
Krishna, who currently holds dual charges as Director General (DG) Vigilance and DG Recruitment and Promotion Board, will now step into the state’s highest police position. Speaking briefly to reporters after taking charge, he said, “I have taken charge as the new DGP. Further discussions will be held in the press conference.”
Track Record in Leadership and Reform
Rajeev Krishna emerged as the frontrunner for the DGP position due to his notable handling of the Uttar Pradesh Police Constable recruitment examination, which was successfully conducted under his leadership after a major paper leak scandal in 2023. At that time, Renuka Mishra, then DG of the recruitment board, was removed following the controversy, and Krishna was brought in to restore credibility to the process.
His clean and efficient execution of the re-exam significantly boosted his profile within administrative and political circles.
A Veteran Career Spanning Three Decades
Rajeev Krishna’s policing career spans over three decades and includes multiple critical postings:
- Served as ASP in Bareilly, Kanpur, and Aligarh
- Worked as SP City in Aligarh
- Appointed SP/SSP in key districts including Firozabad, Etawah, Mathura, Bareilly, Agra, Noida, and Lucknow
- First DIG of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) when it was formed in Uttar Pradesh
- Held positions as IG Meerut Range, ADG Lucknow Zone, and ADG Agra Zone
- Elevated to DG Vigilance in January 2024
His career trajectory reflects both operational experience and administrative acumen — qualities considered essential in managing India’s most populous state’s complex law and order challenges.
Political Reactions and Questions on ‘Acting’ Status
While Krishna’s appointment has been largely welcomed within administrative ranks, political criticism emerged from opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party (SP). Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the Yogi Adityanath-led government’s inability to appoint a permanent DGP, arguing that the temporary designation reflects institutional instability.
“Why can’t the government finalize a full-time DGP? Is there something to hide?” Yadav remarked on social media.
Despite the criticism, government insiders suggest that Krishna’s ‘acting’ designation may be formalized in the coming months, pending routine administrative processes or political clearance.
Influential Bureaucratic and Political Family Ties
Rajeev Krishna hails from a family deeply entrenched in India’s bureaucracy and politics:
- His wife, Meenakshi Singh, is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer currently serving as Income Tax Commissioner
- His brother-in-law, Rajeshwar Singh, a former Enforcement Directorate (ED) Joint Director, is now a BJP MLA from Sarojini Nagar, Lucknow
This background adds to his visibility and influence within both administrative and political domains.
What Lies Ahead for Krishna as Acting DGP?
As Krishna assumes leadership of the Uttar Pradesh Police at a crucial juncture, he is expected to focus on:
- Strengthening recruitment transparency
- Enhancing internal vigilance
- Bolstering counter-terror and anti-crime operations
- Addressing public trust issues in policing
With his reputation for integrity and effectiveness, Krishna may help steer UP Police towards a more accountable and modern law enforcement model.