Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania to Retire on August 16; Race Begins for Next State Police Chief

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania will retire from service on August 16, with the State Government formally approving his retirement. The Home Department has issued an official notification in this regard, paving the way for the appointment of a new police chief.

The selection process for the next DGP is set to gather pace, with a high-level meeting scheduled in New Delhi on August 7. The meeting, to be chaired by the UPSC Chairperson, will deliberate on the panel of officers forwarded by the Odisha Government for the top post.

Eleven IPS Officers in the Fray

The State Government has reportedly submitted a list of 11 senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for consideration.

Based on seniority, the names attracting the most attention are:

• Sudhanshu Sarangi, Director General, Fire Services
• Sushant Nath, Director General of Prisons
• R.P. Koche, Director, Intelligence

Apart from these three officers, the state has also recommended the names of:

• Sanjeeb Panda (1994 batch)
• Yashwant Jethwa (1994 batch)
• Ritu Arora (1995 batch)
• Soumendra Priyadarshi (1995 batch)
• P.S. Ranpise (1995 batch)
• Santosh Bala (1995 batch)
• Arun Bothra (1996 batch)
• Sunita Kakran (1996 batch)

Among them, Ritu Arora, P.S. Ranpise and Sunita Kakran are currently serving on central deputation.

Khurania’s Extended Tenure Ends

A 1990-batch IPS officer, Y.B. Khurania was originally due to retire from government service in March 2026 upon attaining the age of 60. However, he was granted an extension until August 16, 2026, to complete the prescribed two-year tenure as Director General of Police.

New DGP to Face Major Challenges

The incoming DGP will assume office at a crucial time, with several key responsibilities awaiting the state’s top police officer.

One of the biggest challenges will be ensuring peaceful conduct of the upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. Maintaining law and order, strengthening policing, and improving the government’s image on public safety are also expected to be among the new police chief’s top priorities.

The UPSC Selection Committee is expected to hold its first and final meeting on August 7 in New Delhi. The committee will shortlist three names, from which the Odisha Government will appoint the next Director General of Police.