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Bengaluru Stampede: 2 Senior IAS Officers’ Role Under Probe

By
LO Bureau
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The controversial Bengaluru stampede case is far from being closed. With the role of 2 senior IAS officers under scanner now, the matter appears to drag on. It is now being claimed that there were two senior IAS officers, former political secretary of Karnataka CM, who influenced the government to organize an official felicitation.

The role of two senior IAS officers is under scrutiny over alleged miscommunication during the June 4 RCB felicitation event, which led to a stampede killing 11 fans.

Reports claim that the officers, along with the former political secretary to CM Siddaramaiah, played a key role in persuading the Congress government to hold the event at 4 pm on the steps of Vidhana Soudha.

Although the IAS officers were not involved with the follow up event the same day at 5 pm. The venue was the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where the stampeded occurred as the crowd had gathered to celebrate RCB’s victory. One of the two officers made a public statement about a “victory parade” according to reports, while the police clearance was not obtained.

Senior IAS officer and DPAR secretary Sathyavathi G, who coordinated the June 4 RCB felicitation at Vidhana Soudha with approvals from the Chief secretary and Chief minister, also informed the media about a victory march to M Chinnaswamy Stadium—despite no formal police clearance, as reported in the media.

Also Read: After stampede, cold war erupts between IAS officers and IPS officers in K’taka

Gujarat: 13 IAS officers shifted, Om Prakash posted as Rajkot Collector

By
LO Bureau
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In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the Gujarat Government on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) issued transfer and posting orders for 13 IAS officers.

The names of the officers and their postings are as follows;

  1. Ashwani Kumar (IAS:1997:GJ), Principal Secretary, Urban Development & Urban Housing Department, is transferred and posted as Principal Secretary, Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities Department. He will continue to hold additional charge of Principal Secretary, Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs Department.
  2. Ramesh Chand Meena (IAS:1997:GJ), Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, has been given additional charge of Principal Secretary, Ports and Transport Department.
  3. M Thennarasan (IAS:2000:GJ), Principal Secretary, Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities Department, has been transferred and posted as Principal Secretary, Urban Development & Urban Housing Department.
  4. Milind Shivaram Torawane (IAS:2000:GJ), Managing Director, GSPC, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and posted as Principal Secretary, Panchayats, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department. He will also hold additional charge of Commissioner of Rural Development & Principal Secretary (Rural Development), and continue as MD, GSPC.
  5. Arti Kanwar (IAS:2001:GJ), Secretary, Finance (Economic Affairs), will hold additional charge as Secretary, Finance (Expenditure).
  6. Jenu Devan (IAS:2006:GJ), Superintendent of Stamps & Inspector General of Registration, Gandhinagar, will additionally serve as Managing Director, Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd., Vadodara.
  7. Prabhav Joshi (IAS:2014:GJ), Collector, Rajkot, is transferred and appointed as Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd., Gandhinagar.
  8. Tejas Dilipbhai Parmar (IAS:2016:GJ), MD, Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd., has been transferred and posted as Municipal Commissioner, Junagadh.
  9. Dr. Om Prakash (IAS:2016:GJ), Municipal Commissioner, Junagadh, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Rajkot.
  10. Ashish Kumar (IAS:2014:GJ), Collector, Panchmahals-Godhra, has been transferred and posted as Director, Tribal Development, Gandhinagar. He will also hold additional charge of CEO, Development Support Agency of Gujarat (D-SAG), vice Gulati.
  11. Suthar Raj Rameshchandra (IAS:2019:GJ), District Development Officer, Dangs-Ahwa, has been transferred and posted as DDO, Narmada-Rajpipla.
  12. Ankit Pannu (IAS:2018:GJ), DDO, Narmada-Rajpipla, has been transferred and posted as as DDO, Jamnagar.
  13. Patil Anand Ashok (IAS:2021:GJ), Project Administrator, Tribal Area Sub Plan, Dangs-Ahwa, will hold the additional charge of DDO, Dangs-Ahwa.

Karnataka: 16 IAS officers shifted; Five Districts get new DCs

By
LO Bureau
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The Karnataka government on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) issued transfer and posting orders for 16 IAS officers. The reshuffle includes the appointment of new Deputy Commissioners in five districts—Hassan, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Bagalkot, and Koppal.

The names of the officers and their postings are as follows;

  1. Janaki KM (IAS:2012:KN), Deputy Commissioner, Bagalkot District, has been transferred and posted as as Secretary, Karnataka Public Service Commission, Bengaluru.
  2. Sathyabhama C (IAS:2012:KN), Deputy Commissioner, Hassan District, has been transferred and posted as State Project Director, Samagra Shikshana Karnataka, Bengaluru.
  3. Latha Kumari KS (IAS:2012:KN), Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Bengaluru Urban District is transferred with immediate effect and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Hassan District.
  4. Swaroopa TK (IAS:2012:KN), Director, E-Governance, RDPR, Bengaluru, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Udupi District.
  5. Dr. Avinash Menon Rajendran (IAS:2013:KN), Special Commissioner, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, Bengaluru, has been transferred and posted as Mission Director, National Health Mission & Directorate of Health, Bengaluru.
  6. Mullai Muhilan MP (IAS:2013:KN), Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada District, Mangaluru, has been transferred and posted as Inspector General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamps, Bengaluru.
  7. Nalini Atul (IAS:2014:KN), Deputy Commissioner, Koppal District, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board & E/o. Joint Secretary to Government, Planning, Programme Monitoring & Statistics Department, Kalaburagi.
  8. Darshan HV (IAS:2016:KN), Additional Commissioner for Commercial Taxes (Service Analysis Wing), Bengaluru, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada District, Mangaluru.
  9. Sangappa (IAS:2016:KN), waiting for posting, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Bagalkot District.
  10. Suresh B Itnal (IAS:2016:KN), Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Davanagere District, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Koppal District.
  11. Dr. Naveen Bhat Y (IAS:2017:KN), Mission Director, National Health Mission & Directorate of Health, Bengaluru is transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Chikkaballapur District.
  12. Garima Panwar (IAS:2018:KN), waiting for posting, has been posted as Managing Director, Karnataka Handlooms Development Corporation.
  13. Rahul Ratnam Pandey (IAS:2018:KN), Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Koppal, has been transferred and posted as Executive Director, Centre for Smart Governance, Bengaluru.
  14. Prakash GT Nittali (IAS:2018:KN), Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Chikkaballapur District, has been transferred and posted as Director of Public Instruction (Mid-Day Meals), Bengaluru.
  15. Varnit Negi (IAS:2019:KN), Managing Director, Karnataka Handlooms Development Corporation, has been transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Koppal.
  16. Gitte Madhav Vitthal Rao (IAS:2020:KN), General Manager, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, Bagalkot, has been transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayath, Davanagere District.

Jharkhand HC seeks replies from Centre, State, UPSC on DGP Anurag Gupta’s appointment

By
LO Bureau
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IAS Pooja Singhal

The Jharkhand High Court on Monday (June 16, 2025) granted another opportunity to the state government, central government, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to file their responses regarding the appointment of Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Gupta.

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, who has challenged Gupta’s appointment as unconstitutional and in violation of Supreme Court guidelines. With no replies submitted by the respondents so far, the next hearing has been scheduled for July 15.

During the proceedings, the Advocate General informed the division bench—comprising Chief Justice S. Ramchandra Rao and Justice Deepak Roshan—that a related matter is also pending before the Supreme Court.

In his petition, Marandi alleged that the state government bypassed constitutional procedures and misused the police machinery for political purposes. He argued that the appointment of the DGP must be carried out through a UPSC-led selection process unless the state enacts a formal law in this regard. Instead, the Jharkhand government framed a rule in 2025 and attempted to apply it retrospectively—an action Marandi described as a calculated move to subvert legal norms.

He further contended that the real motive behind the move was to extend Anurag Gupta’s tenure, as he was originally scheduled to retire in April 2025.

Marandi has also filed a contempt petition before the Supreme Court, questioning the constitutional validity of the newly framed rules in light of previous apex court rulings.

Sanjay Kumar Panigrahi selected as MD of Jute Corporation of India

By
LO Bureau
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Sanjay Kumar Panigrahi

Sanjay Kumar Panigrahi has been selected for appointment as of Managing Director (MD), The Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI) at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on June 17, 2025. Presently, he is serving as Chief General Manager (Marketing), The Cotton Corporation Of India Limited.

Following his selection, the PESB has recommended his name to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Upon receiving the necessary vigilance clearances and ACC approval, Sanjay Kumar Panigrahi will be formally appointed to the post of Managing Director.

The following 11 applicants were interviewed in the selection meeting:

  1. Manoj Bajaj, Chief General Manager (Bathinda, Punjab), The Cotton Corporation Of India Limited
  2. Sanjay Kumar Panigrahi, Chief General Manager (Marketing), The Cotton Corporation Of India Limited
  3. Ajay Kumar, Chief General manager (IT), The Cotton Corporation Of India Limited
  4. Arabinda Hembram, General Manager, MMTC Limited
  5. Abhay Kumar, General Manager (Marketing), MMTC Limited
  6. Kamlesh Kukreti, Senior General Manager, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
  7. Tejinder Pal Singh Cheema, Deputy General Manager RE, Analytics & Branding, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
  8. Sangram Kumar Mishra, Deputy General Manager Delhi HO, Engineers India Limited
  9. Om Parkash, DGM (Finance), MRPL- SEZ Unit, MSEZ, Permude, Mangalore, Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited
  10. SKVN Acharyulu, General Manager (M)-i/c Sinter Plant, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
  11. CMDR. Dharmendrasinh J Revar, Deputy Director General Commodore, Navy

With Shaik Darvesh Saheb retiring, Kerala awaits its next DGP

By
LO Bureau
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Kerala DGP

As Kerala’s incumbent Director General of Police (DGP) Shaik Darvesh Saheb (IPS:1990:KL) prepares to hang up his boots on June 30, speculation is intensifying over who will take charge as the next head of the state police force. Saheb was appointed as DGP on June 27, 2023, and completes his two-year term this month.

According to the Supreme Court’s guidelines laid down in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India case, only IPS officers with at least 30 years of service and a minimum of six months left before retirement are eligible to be considered for the post of state DGP.

In Kerala, excluding the outgoing DGP, only five IPS officers currently meet the 30-year service criteria. Among them, just four officers have more than six months of service remaining, effectively narrowing the field.

The eligible officers are:

  • Nitin Agarwal (IPS:1989:KL) – Currently serving as Road Safety Commissioner, Kerala.
  • R.A. Chandra Sekhar (IPS:1991:KL) – On central deputation as Special Director, Intelligence Bureau. Recently appointed Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat, and is expected to replace Harinath Mishra after his retirement on July 31, 2025.
  • Yogesh Gupta (IPS:1993:KL) – Director General, Fire and Rescue Services.
  • Manoj Abraham (IPS:1994:KL) – Director, Vigilance.

Among these, R.A. Chandra Sekhar and Manoj Abraham have emerged as frontrunners. According to senior police sources, Chandra Sekhar is likely to return to the state if offered the top post. However, if he chooses to continue on central deputation, Manoj Abraham is expected to feature in the three-member panel that the UPSC will forward to the state government for final selection.

Meanwhile, sources suggest that the state government is not considering Nitin Agarwal for the position. As for Yogesh Gupta, his chances are believed to be slim. His strained relationship with the Chief Minister’s Office during his previous posting as Vigilance Director led to his transfer to Fire and Rescue Services. Gupta has since applied for central deputation. However, despite seven reminders from the Centre, the state government has reportedly not responded with a vigilance clearance, further dimming his prospects.

With the retirement of Shaik Darvesh Saheb just days away, all eyes are now on the state government and UPSC to finalize Kerala’s next police chief. (By-Rajeev Singh)

UP: CS MK Singh nears retirement; will he get an extension or be replaced?

By
LO Bureau
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Manoj Kumar Singh IAS

With UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh set to retire on July 31, speculation is rife over whether he will get an extension or make way for a new top bureaucrat.

Singh, a 1988 batch IAS officer considered close to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, may get an extension if the state government sends a proposal to the Centre seeking an extension and if the Centre grants its approval. Sources indicate that such a proposal is under consideration.

However, if the extension doesn’t materialize, 1989 batch officers are expected to be in the fray. Leading the race is SP Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM and a close aide of Adityanath. With two years of service left, Goyal has been serving in the CM’s Office for the last eight years. He also holds charge of key departments including Civil Aviation, Estate, and serves as Additional Resident Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh.

Another contender from 1989 batch is Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary in the Union Agriculture Ministry. Known for his administrative acumen and clean image, Chaturvedi went on central deputation in August 2024 and was recently given additional charge of the Cooperation Ministry. His chances of returning to the UP cadre, however, appear slim.

Also from the 1989 batch, Anil Kumar, Chairman of the Revenue Board, is said to be out of the race.

The recent appointment of 1990 batch IAS officer Deepak Kumar as Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) has added another strong contender. An Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), Kumar is also in charge of Secondary and Basic Education. He is seen as part of the CM’s trusted inner circle and retires in October 2026.

With the clock ticking on Singh’s tenure, all eyes are now on whether UP opts for continuity or brings in a new face at the top.

Exclusive: A Sreenivas appointed Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana

By
LO Bureau
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A Sreenivas IAS

In a significant development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed A Sreenivas (IAS:2004:HY) as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Haryana. He succeeds Pankaj Agarwal (IAS:2000:HY), who held the post since July 2024.

Sreenivas, who currently serves as Secretary, Energy Department, and Managing Director of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd., was selected from a panel of three IAS officers recommended by the Haryana government. The panel also included Atul Kumar (IAS:2007:HY), Transport Commissioner and Secretary, Transport Department, and Dusmanta Kumar Behera (IAS:2007:HY), who is presently serving in multiple roles including Secretary, Development & Panchayats Department, and Director General, Industries & Commerce, and MSME.

Being the senior-most among the three, Sreenivas was chosen by the Election Commission, which issued the appointment order and informed the Haryana Chief Secretary via a letter dated June 16, 2025.

Outgoing CEO Pankaj Agarwal will now take over as Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a role assigned to him in the major IAS reshuffle announced on June 12, 2025, which involved 31 officers. Agarwal’s tenure as CEO was marked by the successful and peaceful conduct of the Haryana Assembly elections held on October 5, 2024, a process widely praised by political parties and civil society.

Sandeep Sood appointed India’s envoy to Republic of Guinea

By
LO Bureau
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Sandeep Sood YOA

Sandeep Sood (YOA:2009) was on Monday (16.06.2025) appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Guinea. Presently, he is serving as Director in the Ministry of External Affairs and is expected to take up the assignment shortly

In a statement, the MEA said, “Shri Sandeep Sood (YOA:2009), presently Director in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Guinea.”

“He is expected to take up the assignment shortly,” the statement added.

Aliawati Longkumer appointed India’s envoy to Korea

By
LO Bureau
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Aliawati Longkumer (YOA:2008) was on Monday (16.06.2025) appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Presently, he is serving as Charge d’affaires a.i. Embassy of India, Asuncion, Paraguay and is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

In a statement, the MEA said, “Shri Aliawati Longkumer (YOA : 2008), presently Charge d’affaires a.i. Embassy of India, Asuncion, Paraguay, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”

“He is expected to take up the assignment shortly,” the statement added.

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