HYDERABAD: Are the powers-that-be also considering senior IPS officer AK Khan for the post of Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana state? Though it is being speculated that the government is strongly in favour of incharge DGP Anurag Sharma, it is reliably learnt that AK Khan, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh, is also a strong contender for the top post.
Sources said the government may take another two to three days before issuing orders appointing a regular DGP. Sources disclosed to Express that the delay on the part of the government in issuing orders was reportedly due to the fact that the powers-that-be have still not made up their mind on whether they should continue with Anurag Sharma or replace him with AK Khan.
Anurag Sharma, a 1982 batch IPS officer, has been the incharge DGP ever since the separate state of Telangana was born last year. All through, it has been a smooth sailing for Sharma as the incharge state police chief. Hailing from Anantapur district, Khan, a 1981 batch officer, has for the most part of his life stayed in Hyderabad and worked as Hyderabad Police Commissioner too. His son is married to the daughter of senior Congress leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir.
The empanelment committee of the UPSC, of which Telangana Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma is also a member, met in New Delhi on Monday and shortlisted the names of Aruna Bahuguna (1979 batch), AK Khan (1981 batch) and Anurag Sharma of 1982 batch. “The government is yet to take a final call and it will take at least a couple of days. It could be anyone between Anurag Sharma and AK Khan,” a government source said, indicating that nothing was finalised as of now.