Odisha Police / Race Intensifies for Odisha’s Next DGP as Khurania Retires on August 16

Bhubaneswar, Jul 25: With Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania set to retire on August 16, the race to appoint his successor has gathered momentum. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will convene a crucial selection committee meeting in New Delhi on August 7 to recommend three names for the top post, officials said on Saturday.

The state government has already issued a notification permitting Khurania’s retirement, who was originally due to superannuate in March 2026 but was allowed to continue until August to complete the mandatory two-year tenure as DGP. His departure has triggered discussions over who will lead the state police force next.

According to sources, the Home Department has forwarded a list of 11 senior IPS officers to the UPSC for consideration. Among them, three names are being widely discussed on grounds of seniority: Fire Services DGP Sudhanshu Sarangi, Prisons DGP Sushant Nath, and Intelligence Director R.P. Koche.

In addition, eight other officers have been included in the panel: Sanjeeb Panda and Yashwant Jethwa (1994 batch), Ritu Arora, Soumendra Priyadarshi, P.S. Ranpise, and Santosh Bala (1995 batch), along with Arun Bothra and Sunita Kakran (1996 batch). Of these, Arora, Ranpise, and Kakran are currently on central deputation.
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The new DGP will inherit significant challenges, including maintaining law and order during upcoming Panchayat and Municipal elections, and restoring the government’s image in policing. The appointment is expected to be closely watched, given the political and administrative implications.

The UPSC meeting on August 7, chaired by its chairman, will finalize the panel of three names to be sent to the state government. The final choice will then be made from this shortlist, setting the stage for new leadership in Odisha Police.