Race Heats Up for Special CP Law & Order as MHA Keeps Cards Close?

The race for one of Delhi Police's most powerful postings has quietly but unmistakably heated up. A fierce behind-the-scenes contest is underway for the coveted charge of Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) — and sources say the tension between the force's top brass and the MHA is simmering. 

According to top sources, the Delhi Police Headquarters has already drawn up a panel of names and is pushing hard for it. For the post of Special CP Law & Order-I, senior IPS officer Anand Mohan is under consideration. Meanwhile, Devesh Srivastava, currently serving as Special CP Crime, is gunning hard for the charge of Special CP Law & Order-II. 

The incumbent R.S. Yadav, who currently holds the complete Law & Order charge, is likely to be moved out, with sources indicating he could be shifted as Director General (Prisons).

Despite the Delhi Police brass pushing its preferred slate, the Ministry of Home Affairs appears to be giving the proposals a notably cold reception. The green light, sources confirm, is yet to come. Top sources suggest a significant possibility: that an officer from the AGMUT cadre — outside the Delhi segment — could be handed the Law & Order charge. In other words, the MHA may be looking beyond the names being served up on a platter by PHQ.

Shadow of Tiwari Episode

Top sources say that ever since shunting of Madhup Tiwari, the top brass at the MHA has become markedly more guarded and deliberate in its decisions. No name, however strongly backed internally, now sails through without thorough review. A top source in MHA said, "PHQ can push all it wants, but MHA is no longer rubber-stamping anything". Whatever the considerations are the race for Special CP Law and Order in Delhi has intensified perhaps such close contest is happening after years in Delhi Police.