Uttar Pradesh Gets New Acting DGP: Who Is IPS Officer Rajeev Krishna?

Last Updated:June 01, 2025, 07:00 IST

Krishna, a 1991-batch Indian Police Service officer, assumed charge following the retirement of acting DGP Prashant Kumar on May 31

Born on June 26, 1969, in Noida, Rajeev Krishna began his policing career in 1991. Image/X

Senior IPS officer Rajeev Krishna has been appointed as the acting director general of police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh, marking another transition in the state’s top police leadership.

Krishna, a 1991-batch Indian Police Service officer, assumed charge following the retirement of acting DGP Prashant Kumar on May 31. This makes him the fifth consecutive officer to be appointed in an “acting" capacity since 2022.

Founding chief of UP ATS, pushed tech-driven policing

Known for his integrity and innovative approach to policing, Krishna previously served as the director general of vigilance and chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board.

Born on June 26, 1969, in Noida, Rajeev Krishna began his policing career in 1991. He has held several key positions, including senior superintendent of police (SSP) in cities like Agra, Lucknow, and Bareilly. He gained prominence in 2004 for his decisive action against kidnapping gangs, solidifying his reputation as a tough and effective officer.

Krishna also served as the founding chief of Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terror Squad and held significant roles such as director general of the Police Academy and inspector general of operations in the Border Security Force. His tenure was marked by the implementation of technology-driven policing initiatives like Operation Pehchaan and e-Malkhana, aimed at modernising the force and raising cybercrime awareness.

Family in public service

Rajeev Krishna comes from a family with a strong tradition of public service. His wife, Meenakshi Singh, is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer currently serving as deputy secretary in the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in Noida.

His brother-in-law, Rajeshwar Singh, a former IPS officer, is now a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) from Sarojini Nagar in Lucknow.

Rajeshwar’s wife, Lakshmi Singh, serves as the police commissioner of Gautam Buddha Nagar.

‘Acting’ appointments

Since the removal of Mukul Goel as the permanent DGP in May 2022, Uttar Pradesh has seen a series of acting police chiefs. Goel was dismissed for “neglect of duty" and reassigned as director general of Civil Defence.

Following his departure, the state appointed Devendra Singh Chauhan as acting DGP, who served until his retirement in March 2023. He was succeeded by RK Vishwakarma, who held the position until May 2023. Vijay Kumar then took over as acting DGP, followed by Prashant Kumar, who served until his retirement in May 2025.

Rajeev Krishna’s appointment continues this trend of interim leadership within the state’s police force.

New rules for selecting DGP

In November 2024, the Uttar Pradesh government introduced the Director General of Police, UP Selection and Appointment Rules, 2024, to formalise the appointment process for the state’s police chief. Under these rules, a six-member committee, chaired by a retired high court judge, will oversee the selection.

The committee comprises the chief secretary, a nominee from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the chairperson or a nominee from the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the additional chief secretary (home), and a retired DGP. The committee will assess candidates based on service records, experience, and a minimum of six months of remaining service. The appointed DGP will serve a fixed term of two years or until retirement, whichever is sooner.

Rajeev Krishna’s appointment as acting DGP comes as Uttar Pradesh strives to enhance its law enforcement capabilities and restore public confidence.

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