Rajeev Krishna Takes Charge as Uttar Pradesh Police Chief, Stabilizing Leadership After Four-Year Gap

Lucknow, May 31, 2026 — A major change in Uttar Pradesh's police leadership has occurred with the appointment of Rajeev Krishna as the full-time Director General of Police (DGP). This appointment ends a nearly four-year period without a permanent police chief, bringing stability to India's largest police force.

Rajeev Krishna, an IPS officer from the 1991 batch, has been acting as DGP since June 1, 2025, following Prashant Kumar. He fills the position last permanently held by Mukul Goel, who was removed in May 2022. The state government confirmed his appointment after receiving a panel from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). An official government order is expected to be issued shortly, aligning with Supreme Court guidelines on fixed tenure for state police chiefs.

Since 2022, Uttar Pradesh has seen a succession of acting DGPs, including D.S. Chauhan, R.K. Vishwakarma, Vijay Kumar, and Prashant Kumar. The interim leadership was criticized for creating uncertainty and hindering long-term planning. The process for appointing a permanent DGP gained traction earlier this year when the state government submitted a list of eligible senior IPS officers to the UPSC. A UPSC meeting on May 26, 2026, resulted in a shortlist of three officers: Renuka Mishra, Piyush Anand, and Rajeev Krishna, with Krishna becoming the preferred candidate.

In line with Supreme Court directives from the Prakash Singh case and UPSC norms, the chosen DGP is guaranteed a minimum two-year tenure. Krishna, born on June 26, 1969, is set to retire in June 2029, allowing him nearly three years to lead and provide consistent leadership.

Rajeev Krishna, originally from Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics and Communication. He joined the Indian Police Service on September 15, 1991, after passing the Civil Services Examination. Throughout his career spanning over three decades, he is known for his operational skills, innovative use of technology in policing, integrity, and administrative capabilities. He is considered one of the younger officers to reach this top position.

Key career milestones include:

• Field and District Leadership: Served in critical districts like Mathura, Etawah, Agra, Noida, and Lucknow as Superintendent and Senior Superintendent of Police. Notably, he led operations against kidnapping gangs as SSP Agra in 2004, gaining broad recognition.
• Founding of UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS): As the inaugural chief, he was crucial in setting up the ATS's operational framework during heightened security challenges.
• Training and Institutional Development: Led the Uttar Pradesh Police Academy, significantly contributing to officer training and professional development.
• Central and Border Security Experience: As Inspector General (Operations) in the Border Security Force, he managed operations along the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders, implementing advanced surveillance systems.
• Technology-Driven Policing Initiatives: As Additional Director General (ADG) of the Agra Zone, he introduced Operation Pehchaan, a platform for tracking repeat offenders, and promoted digitalization in police operations.
• Recent Administrative Roles: Before and during his tenure as acting DGP, Krishna served as Director General (Vigilance) and chaired the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board, overseeing transparent recruitment processes.

His service record includes receiving the Police Medal for Gallantry in 2002 and 2009, the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2015, and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2007, along with various commendations.

Rajeev Krishna's appointment is anticipated to bring consistency, professionalism, and a renewed emphasis on modern policing in Uttar Pradesh. The main challenges he faces include combating organized crime, enhancing cybercrime capabilities, and accelerating police modernization efforts.

Government sources highlight Krishna’s extensive experience in vigilance, recruitment, and technology, positioning him to effectively lead the force. His tenure is expected to bolster the professional image of the Uttar Pradesh Police and align with the state government’s vision for a technology-centric policing model.

The new full-time DGP will focus on maintaining transparency in recruitment, improving cyber capabilities, and fostering coordination with central agencies. After extended interim leadership, stable management is expected to benefit the Uttar Pradesh Police significantly.

This development illustrates the state government’s commitment to procedural adherence and merit-based appointments. Official confirmation and further directives from the Home Department are awaited to complete the transition.