Bihar has seen a change at the top of its police administration after Vinay Kumar, a 1991-batch IPS officer, opted for voluntary retirement. The state government accepted his VRS with immediate effect and subsequently appointed him as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).
Vinay Kumar Moves to Information Commission
Kumar had been serving as Bihar’s DGP, with his regular tenure originally scheduled to continue until December 13, 2026. His decision to retire comes nearly three months before the end of that tenure.
The government relaxed the usual three-month notice requirement while accepting his voluntary retirement.
CIC Post Had Been Vacant
Kumar’s appointment fills the position of Chief Information Commissioner, which had remained vacant since the tenure of former IAS officer Tripurari Sharan ended on July 31.
His name was cleared for the post by a selection committee headed by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Preeta Verma Gets Additional DGP Charge
Following Kumar’s exit, Preeta Verma, a 1991-batch IPS officer, has been given additional charge as Bihar DGP until a regular appointment is made.
Verma is currently the senior-most among the officers being considered for the permanent DGP position and is the first woman IPS officer to hold the state’s DGP charge in an acting capacity.
Selection Process for New DGP Begins
The state Home Department has started the process of preparing a panel of 20 eligible IPS officers for consideration for the DGP post.
The panel will be sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). After examining factors such as seniority, service record and remaining service, the UPSC is expected to recommend a panel of three officers to the state government.
Several Senior IPS Officers in Consideration
The officers whose names have been reported as being considered include Bhrigu Srinivasan (1992 batch), Jitendra Singh Gangwar (1993), Kundan Krishnan (1994), Jitendra Kumar (1993) and Amit Kumar (1994), along with Preeta Verma.
Srinivasan is currently on central deputation, while Gangwar is heading the Vigilance Investigation Bureau in Bihar.
Transition at the Top of Bihar Police
Vinay Kumar’s move marks a transition from the state’s police leadership to the information commission. Meanwhile, the formal process for selecting his successor as DGP is now underway, with the final appointment to follow the prescribed UPSC and state government procedure.