The Election Commission of India (ECI) today directed immediate removal of Jharkhand’s Acting Director General of Police (DGP), Anurag Gupta, ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. The decision follows Gupta’s controversial history during previous elections, prompting the ECI to call for his replacement with the most senior DGP-level officer currently available in the state. 

The ECI instructed the Jharkhand government to confirm compliance with the order by 7 PM today. Additionally, the state has been asked to submit a list of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers by 10 AM on October 21 to facilitate the selection of a new police chief. 

After the ECI order the State government reinstated former DGP Ajay Kumar Singh on the DGP’s post.

Anurag Gupta, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has a contentious past in electoral affairs. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the ECI removed Gupta from his post as Additional Director General (ADG) of the Special Branch after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) accused him of political bias. Following his removal, Gupta was transferred to the Resident Commissioner’s Office in Delhi and was barred from returning to Jharkhand until the election concluded.

Gupta’s involvement in the 2016 Rajya Sabha elections also attracted controversy. As Additional DGP, he faced serious allegations of misusing his authority, which led the ECI to initiate an inquiry.

His appointment as Acting DGP in Jharkhand has been under scrutiny from the beginning. Gupta took over the post from Ajay Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IPS officer, who had served as the state’s DGP since February 14, 2023, based on seniority. Singh, however, was relieved from his position on July 30, paving the way for Gupta’s controversial appointment. 

Gupta’s elevation triggered legal challenges, including a contempt petition filed in the Supreme Court, questioning the legitimacy of the state government’s decision to install him as the police chief.