Race for AP’s new DGP hots up Harish Gupta emerges frontrunner as present incumbent Dwaraka Tirumala Rao is set to retire on January 31

As the end of January approaches, the Andhra Pradesh Police Department is bracing for a leadership change. With less than a week remaining before the current Director General of Police (DGP), Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, a 1989 batch IPS officer, reaches superannuation on January 31, 2025, the State is eagerly awaiting the announcement of his successor.
Tirumala Rao, who currently holds the dual posts of AP DGP and the Managing Director (MD) and Vice Chairman (VC) of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), will step down as the top cop. However, sources close to the State government suggest that Tirumala Rao may continue in his role at APSRTC for some time, ensuring continuity in the corporation’s leadership.
The race for the DGP position is heating up, with several senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers anticipating elevation. Among them are Harish Kumar Gupta (1992 batch), Kumar Vishwajeet (1994 batch), and Dr A Ravi Shankar Ayyanar (1994 batch). Of these, Gupta is said to be the most likely candidate, with sources indicating that he has earned the trust of the state government.
Gupta’s credentials have positioned him favourably for the role. His recent appointment by the Election Commission of India as the DGP of Andhra Pradesh ahead of the 2024 general elections was widely praised. Under his leadership, the State witnessed a smooth and peaceful election process, which earned him accolades from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Those close to the government suggest that Gupta’s strong relationship with the CM, coupled with his exemplary leadership during the elections, makes him a strong contender for the post.
In another significant development, it is understood that while Tirumala Rao will step down as DGP, he will continue in his position as MD and VC of APSRTC. Sources within the corporation have confirmed that the state government intends to maintain stability within APSRTC by retaining Tirumala Rao in his current role for the time being.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently attending the World Economic Forum summit in Davos, is expected to decide on the new DGP upon his return. This decision is eagerly anticipated, as it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the State’s police force.
As the State watches these developments unfold, the appointment of a new DGP is seen as a critical moment for Andhra Pradesh’s law and order landscape. The choice will not only impact the immediate functioning of the police force but also set the tone for its long-term goals and strategies. The people of Andhra Pradesh are keenly awaiting the outcome, knowing that the leadership of the state’s police force will shape their daily lives for years to come.