Jharkhand DGP Gupta takes VRS amid Centre-State tussle

After a long battle between the Centre and the state over his retirement and reinstatement, Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta took voluntary retirement on Tuesday. His tenure was marked by controversy.

As per service rules, Gupta was due to retire on April 30, 2025. The Centre informed the state chief secretary on April 22. However, the Hemant Soren government amended service rules in January, giving the state power to appoint the DGP. Under the new rule, the state appointed Gupta in February with a two-year extension.

BJP state president Babulal Marandi challenged the appointment in the High Court and Supreme Court, calling it unconstitutional and in violation of apex court guidelines on DGP appointments. Gupta was earlier made acting DGP in July 2024, but the Election Commission removed him during the 2024 assembly polls. After the polls, he was reinstated as acting DGP.


In 2020, the Soren government had suspended Gupta, accusing him of helping a BJP Rajya Sabha candidate in 2016. His suspension was revoked in 2022 after a CAT order. With his resignation, the prolonged tussle between the Centre and the state has ended. Senior IPS officer Tadasha Mishra has been appointed acting DGP - the first woman to hold the post in Jharkhand.