Kerala State Police Chief race turns contentious over delay in issuing Vigilance clearance

With State Police Chief (SPC) Shaik Darvesh Saheb set to retire this month, the race to appoint his successor has intensified. The State government appears to be actively manoeuvring to position its preferred candidates, drawing scrutiny in the process.

The alleged delay in issuing a Vigilance clearance certificate to Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Gupta, who is also in the fray, has raised eyebrows.

Mr. Gupta, who is currently Director General of the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, has lodged a formal complaint with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against the purported denial of the report necessary for scrutiny by the Central Vigilance Commission to be considered for Central deputation.

The official, who has served in the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate, is tipped for a senior role in such key investigative agencies. At the same time, he is third on the list of contenders for the position of SPC, following Director Generals of Police Nitin Agrawal and Ravada A. Chandrasekhar. The other probables, based on seniority, include DGP Manoj Abraham, and Additional DGPs S. Suresh and M.R. Ajith Kumar.

Lack of response

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had sought the certificate from the State government nearly two months ago, but no response has been provided despite several reminders being made, sources said.

With the denial bringing the government under the scanner, the Home department is learnt to have initiated a file to issue the clearance, which has been sent to the Chief Minister’s assent.

Gupta’s transfer

Mr. Gupta’s recent transfer to the Fire and Rescue Services, just nine months after being appointed as Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, had drawn attention.

Various quarters allege that the move was politically motivated, citing his firm stance in high-profile investigations, including one involving former Kannur district panchayat president P.P. Divya following the death of Additional District Magistrate K. Naveen Babu.

Published - June 17, 2025 07:33 pm IST