The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the removal of Jharkhand’s Acting Director General of Police, Anurag Gupta, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Citing a "history of complaints" against Gupta in prior elections, the ECI instructed that the most senior DGP-level officer available in the state should assume his responsibilities.
The Commission has mandated the state government to confirm compliance by 7 PM today. Additionally, the government must submit a list of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers by 10 AM on October 21.
Gupta, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has been at the centre of several controversies in previous elections. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the ECI removed him from his position as ADG (Special Branch) following allegations of bias by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
After his removal, Gupta was transferred to the Resident Commissioner’s Office in Delhi and prohibited from returning to Jharkhand until the election process was completed.
Gupta also faced serious accusations during the 2016 Rajya Sabha elections when, as Additional DGP, he was accused of misusing his authority. An inquiry committee formed by the ECI led to a charge sheet and a departmental investigation against him.
Recently, Anurag Gupta replaced Ajay Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IPS officer, as Acting DGP. Singh, who became Jharkhand’s DGP on February 14, 2023, based on seniority, was relieved of his post on July 30.
Gupta's appointment quickly drew legal challenges, including a contempt petition filed in the Supreme Court questioning the state government’s decision.
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