Srinagar, November 2, KDC: The Centre has approved the premature repatriation of senior IPS officer Rajesh Kumar, a 1995-batch AGMUT cadre officer currently serving as Special Director General in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), to his parent cadre with immediate effect.
Sources informed news agency Kashmir Dot Com that Rajesh Kumar is in active consideration for the post of Director General of Police (DGP) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources indicate that Kumar has emerged as a strong contender for the top police post, with his possible elevation also being viewed in the context of the recent appointment of 1995-batch IAS officer Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav as J&K Chief Secretary. The sources further point out that incumbent DGP Nalin Prabhat could be moved out, potentially paving the way for a change in the J&K police leadership.
An order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Monday evening approved the MHA proposal for Kumar’s “premature repatriation” to the AGMUT cadre. The decision was taken with reference to an MHA communication dated October 28, 2026.
Kumar’s return assumes significance amid the anticipated change in the leadership of J&K Police. His previous experience in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre, seniority and years of service in the region have brought him into focus for the top police assignment.
A direct-recruit IPS officer of the 1995 batch, Kumar joined the service on September 4, 1995. He holds a Master of Arts degree and belongs to Rajasthan. During his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir, he held several key assignments, including Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu; Inspector General of the Special Security Group (SSG) in the erstwhile state; and Inspector General of the CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir, including the CRPF (Operations) assignment in Kashmir.
His association with the CRPF began in March 2018, when the MHA approved his appointment as Inspector General in the force on deputation for five years from the date of assuming charge or until further orders, whichever was earlier. He subsequently rose to the rank of Additional Director General, with his deputation extended beyond March 18, 2025, and again beyond March 18, 2026.
He was later elevated to Special Director General in the CRPF. The latest ACC decision brings his central deputation to an early close and clears the way for his return to the parent cadre.
Kumar has also been conferred several police honours, including the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 2010, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2011 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2018. (KDC)
