NEW DELHI: For much of last week, top bureaucrats in North Block have been seeking the right recipe to make the next Commissioner of Police—or CP as he is commonly referred to. They believe a perfect mix of three basic ingredients—Popularity, Seniority and Sincerity—is needed to pick the chief of one of the largest metropolitan police force in the world. After the current incumbent Alok Kumar Verma was picked up to head the CBI, finding his replacement has become a top priority for the government.
Verma relinquishes his position on January 31. Top contenders for his job are Dharmendra Kumar, Deepak Mishra (both belonging to the 1984 batch) and Amulya Patnaik (1985). Deep throat sources said that Patnaik, currently a Special Commissioner of Police (Administration), may be given temporary charge.
Meanwhile, the name of Rakesh Asthana (1984 batch, Gujarat cadre) is doing the rounds as a surprise choice. The capital city’s unique and sensitive position, where the police report to the Home Ministry, requires the helmsman at Police HQ in IP Estate to work closely with the Centre.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is locked in a power struggle with the Union government over control of the force. Lobbying is in full force; if sources are to be believed, one of the officers was recently seen prowling around North Block, in an attempt to open the right door. A senior official on the Raisina battleground acknowledged that Kumar gets the seniority vote, with Mishra and Patnaik getting the popularity and sincerity thumbs-up.
The race for Delhi’s police chief’s seat is hotting up with three UT cadre IPS officers and a rank outsider picking up pace. Deepak Mishra, who served as Special CP, Law & Order in Delhi Police for three years was transferred to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as Additional Director General, on April 18 last year only. "In appointing Verma, the government followed seniority and overlooked the challenge from Mishra and Dharmender Kumar. But, it isn’t necessary to follow the seniority rule and government can choose its pick by examining other dimensions,” a Home Ministry official said.
If the Centre decides to follow the seniority rule, Kumar could be the top choice for CP. Kumar is currently Additional Director General of CISF—the paramilitary force responsible for the security of country’s vital installations.
“Given the circumstances, the government may recall officers on Central deputation. So, for both Mishra and Kumar, it will not be a hindrance. Just an executive order will be enough,” the official added.
There are many twists and turns in the tale from Delhi Police HQ that could form the plot of a pulp thriller. The narrative is that either Amulya Patnaik or Rakesh Asthana may overwhelm Mishra and Kumar by winning the endorsement of North Block.
Although, it has never been fully confirmed, sources said interim CBI chief Asthana recently visited police HQ, triggering speculations over a possible transfer to Delhi Police as Commissioner. Asthana, a 1984 batch, Gujarat cadre IPS officer was the top choice to head India’s premier investigative agency but a panel comprising the PM, the CJI and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha ruled in favour of seniority and chose Verma.
Appointing the CP from outside the state has a precedent in Delhi: Ajai Raj Sharma, a UP-cadre IPS officer of 1966 batch was appointed as Commissioner in 1999 by the then Home Minister LK Advani. Sources said Patnaik, seen by many as the underdog, could be the top choice if seniority is not the criteria.
“If Mishra or Kumar become the CP, other transfers will happen at the top level. However, if Patnaik gets the chair, no major changes are likely. There is a possibility of change if the new CP is from paramilitary forces,” a top official said