He is the first permanent police chief of the state since 2022 and is one of the most experienced officers at the helm of India's largest state police force.

Krishna had been serving as acting DGP since May 2025, following the superannuation of Prashant Kumar. With the government now confirming his appointment on a permanent basis, he is expected to lead the force until his retirement in June 2029, providing a rare period of continuity in the police leadership in Uttar Pradesh, which will witness assembly polls in 2027 as well as Lok Sabha elections in 2029.

His relatively long remaining tenure until June 2029 was seen as a key advantage, allowing sufficient time to pursue institutional reforms and long-term policing initiatives.

End of Phase Without Permanent DGP

His elevation marks the end of a prolonged phase during which Uttar Pradesh did not have a regular DGP.

The last full-time police chief, Mukul Goel, was removed from office in 2022. Since then, the force has been headed by a succession of acting chiefs, including D.S. Chauhan, R.K. Vishwakarma, Vijay Kumar, and Prashant Kumar. Krishna assumed charge as acting DGP after Prashant Kumar retired on 31 May 2025.

The decision to appoint Krishna on a regular basis comes at a crucial time, as Uttar Pradesh Police is confronting complex challenges ranging from cybercrime and organised crime to public safety and technology-driven offences. His selection is widely seen as a move aimed at ensuring long-term stability and continuity in policing in the state.

According to a source in the government, several factors worked in Krishna's favour. Prominent among them was his successful supervision of one of the largest police recruitment drives in the country, which resulted in the appointment of more than 60,000 constables.

His reputation as a technology-oriented officer, particularly for his efforts to modernise the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), further strengthened his credentials. His extensive experience in both field policing and senior administrative roles made him a strong contender.

His appointment followed the prescribed selection process under which the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) shortlisted eligible senior IPS officers for consideration. Krishna was among the final names recommended before receiving the approval of the state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

A Career Spanning Three Decades

Krishna’s career spans more than three decades and includes a wide range of operational and leadership assignments across Uttar Pradesh. He began his policing career as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Allahabad, then Bareilly, Kanpur, and Aligarh before serving as Superintendent of Police (City), Aligarh, between 1995 and 1996.

His first district posting as Superintendent of Police came in Firozabad in May 1997. Over the years, he went on to serve as Senior Superintendent of Police in several important districts, including Etawah, Mathura, Fatehgarh, Bulandshahr, Noida, and Agra, earning a reputation for effective field policing and operations against organised criminal networks. One of the distinctive features of his career has been his association with Lucknow, both as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and DIG.

Krishna is also credited with playing a pivotal role in strengthening the Uttar Pradesh ATS. He was appointed its DIG and tasked with building its operational capabilities. During his tenure, the ATS was equipped with advanced technology, modern investigative tools, and specialised resources, helping it to transform into a more technologically capable force prepared to address emerging security threats.

Soon after assuming office as the state’s permanent DGP, Krishna is reported to have outlined the priorities that will guide Uttar Pradesh Police in the coming years. He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to the state government’s policy of zero tolerance towards crime and criminals while emphasising the need to enhance public safety.