Tough Enough? Race For Next Bihar DGP Heats Up

With incumbent Vinay Kumar’s two-year tenure set to end in December, three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers of the Bihar cadre are emerging as prominent contenders.

The names of Kundan Krishnan, Jitendra Kumar, and Amit Kumar are doing the rounds. All of them are serving in the rank of Director General (DG) in the state but have markedly different profiles. 

Jitendra Kumar is senior to the other two by batch. Krishnan has a strong record in field policing and operational assignments, while Amit Kumar has substantial experience in Central security organisations in addition to senior responsibilities in the state.

Vinay Kumar, a 1991-batch Bihar-cadre IPS officer, took over as state DGP in December 2024, replacing Alok Raj. His appointment was for two years or until further orders. With his term set to end in a few months, attention has shifted to possible successors.

A Gallantry Award Winner

Krishnan, a 1994-batch officer, has emerged as one of the strongest names, particularly because of his extensive operational experience in Bihar. 

He is listed at Level 16 in the 2026 IPS Civil List. His current responsibilities include DGP, Headquarters, with additional charge of DG (Operations), Special Task Force, as well as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Resident Commissioner’s Office (RCO) in New Delhi.

Krishnan’s career has included important assignments like Additional Director General (ADG), Headquarters, and ADG, Operations, giving him experience in both police administration and field-oriented operations. He also served on Central deputation as an ADG in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) before returning to Bihar in late 2024.

Krishnan’s reputation as a field officer was reinforced by one of the most dramatic episodes of his career. 

In 2002, while serving as Saran Superintendent of Police (SP), he was involved in the operation to end a three-day siege by prisoners at Chhapra divisional jail. Around 1,200 prisoners reportedly seized control of parts of the facility and held jail personnel hostage. He, along with then Station House Officer (SHO) Arjun Lal and constable Jitendra Singh, entered the jail by scaling its walls. The trio was eventually awarded the Medal for Gallantry in 2026 for the operation.

Going By Seniority

Jitendra Kumar has one clear advantage. A 1993-batch IPS officer, he is the senior-most among the three officers. 

He was promoted to DG rank in 2025 and is currently associated with the Central Selection Board, with additional charge as DGP, Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), Patna.

Kumar has spent a substantial part of his career in Bihar and handled key assignments within the state police. His experience includes serving as ADG, Crime Investigation Department, as well as responsibilities connected with police recruitment and selection. 

His long association with the Bihar Police establishment gives him considerable familiarity with the state’s law and order and administrative machinery.

However, seniority does not automatically determine the appointment of a state police chief.

Central Security Experience

Amit Kumar has a different edge proposition. A 1994-batch Bihar-cadre IPS officer, he has held senior assignments both in Bihar and at the Centre. 

His state-level experience includes posts such as Special Secretary (Home) and ADG, Railways. He subsequently spent considerable time on Central deputation, including senior responsibilities in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the specialised security establishment associated with the Special Protection Group (SPG).

That experience gives Amit Kumar a profile extending beyond conventional state policing into internal security and high-level protection assignments.

If the government places particular weight on Central security exposure and experience outside the state police framework, his profile could become an important factor in the succession exercise.

Distinct Career Profiles

The emerging contest is therefore less about three identical contenders and more about three distinct career profiles.

The eventual decision could depend on a combination of factors, including seniority, service record, administrative experience, operational credentials, current responsibilities, and Central deputation.

The government may also consider the officer’s suitability to lead the state police at a time when law and order, policing capacity, and administrative coordination remain critical priorities.

For now, it would be premature to describe the succession as a settled contest among the three officers. They are the names being discussed, but the formal process has yet to play out, and other eligible senior officers could also enter consideration.

Challenges For Next DGP

A senior Bihar Police official said the state police suffers from an acute manpower crunch and is operating with almost half its sanctioned strength. The vacancies remain despite recruitment drives adding tens of thousands of new constables, he said.

With Bihar being a dry state, the liquor mafia poses another challenge. The official said patrolling in both urban and rural areas is quite difficult, as smuggling networks often target enforcement teams.