The President has officially approved the resignation of Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and 2013-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, Jagmohan Meena.
According to a notification from the Union Home Ministry (No. 24016/73/2026-IPS-II), the resignation is effective from the afternoon of September 11. With his formal exit, the focus has abruptly shifted to finding a capable successor to lead the capital’s police force, sparking intense speculation in the administrative and police corridors.
Meena originally tendered his resignation in June, citing personal reasons, triggering a lengthy administrative process. Currently, Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) post is being managed on an in-charge basis due to an ongoing Supreme Court case. This has led to murmurs about whether the government will appoint an in-charge DCP for Bhubaneswar or opt for a full-time deployment. However, given the city’s complex law and order demands, sources indicate the government is prioritizing a permanent, highly competent officer.
The urgency of the appointment is underscored by the approaching festive season. Durga Puja brings massive crowds to Bhubaneswar, demanding stringent VVIP security, traffic control, and crime prevention. Recently, there has been a noticeable uptick in street crimes, including thefts, snatching, and extortion by local goons. Managing this seasonal surge in organized crime without a permanent DCP is a significant concern for the state administration.
Several prominent IPS officers are currently leading the race for the coveted post:
- Shravana Vivek M (2015 Batch): Currently serving as the Berhampur SP, he is widely praised for curbing local crime and recently cracking the high-profile murder case of lawyer Pitabas Panda, which led to the arrest of former BJD MLA Bikram Panda. His successful stint makes him a top contender, potentially earning a “reward” posting in the capital.
- Kusalkar Nitin Dagudu (2015 Batch): The Keonjhar SP since 2023, he is reportedly in the Chief Minister’s good books and is considered a frontrunner for the Bhubaneswar top job.
- Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo (2016 Batch): The current Cuttack DCP has a strong track record in Kandhamal and Mayurbhanj. However, because of his proven ability in managing Cuttack’s massive Durga Puja festivities last year, the government might hesitate to transfer him right before the upcoming Puja season.
- Rahul Jain (2015 Batch): The current Angul SP is also heavily discussed as a strong alternative for the position.
The Bhubaneswar DCP chair is one of the most high-pressure and prestigious assignments in Odisha Police, often acting as a benchmark for policing standards across the state. Over the past decade (2016–2026), the city has seen six officers hold the position, including Satyabrata Bhoi, Anup Kumar Sahoo, Umashankar Dash, Prateek Singh, Pinak Mishra, and outgoing DCP Jagmohan Meena.
Meena’s departure marks the end of an impactful 13-year policing career in Odisha. When news of his resignation surfaced on July 6, an emotional Meena publicly thanked the people of Odisha and the state government. Having started his training in Ganjam and later serving as SDPO in Kalahandi, SP in Malkangiri, Anugola, and Ganjam, and DCP in Kataka, he expressed immense pride in his anti-Maoist operations, election management, and law enforcement duties, calling his journey as an IPS officer an unforgettable experience.
