As the Himachal Pradesh government sent DGP Atul Verma (IPS:1991:HP) on leave just days ahead of his scheduled retirement on May 31, the additional charge of the post has been handed over to Ashok Tiwari (IPS:1993:HP), who currently serves as Director General of State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.
While discussions on Verma’s successor had been underway for some time, his sudden departure has accelerated speculation around the next full-time appointee. Though Tiwari has taken over in an interim capacity, sources indicate that the Home Department has already prepared a list of eligible Director General-rank officers and sent it to the state government. The state is expected to forward a panel to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which will then send back a shortlist from which the DGP will be selected.
According to sources, three names are being seriously considered: Shayam Bhagat Negi (IPS:1990:HP), Ashok Tiwari (IPS:1993:HP), and Rakesh Aggarwal (IPS:1994:HP). The race is believed to be mainly between Negi and Tiwari, with the former reportedly holding an edge. Negi is due to retire on March 31, 2026, while Tiwari’s retirement is slated for June 30, 2029.
Negi is currently on central deputation as Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, whereas Aggarwal serves as Additional Director in the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Despite their central postings, both remain viable contenders.
In terms of seniority, Negi ranks third among HP-cadre IPS officers. The top two — Tapan Kumar Deka (IPS:1988:HP), recently granted a one-year extension as IB Chief, and Sanjiv Ranjan Ojha (IPS:1989:HP), DG of Prisons & Correctional Services who retires on May 31 — are not in the running.
With the final decision now hinging on the UPSC’s response and state-level deliberations, the next few weeks are expected to be crucial in determining who will lead the state police force.
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