The Union Public Service Commission shortlisted three top candidates – Rajeev Sharma, Sanjay Agarwal and Rajesh Nirwan – for the coveted post of Rajasthan DGP. The state government had submitted candidatures of 7 candidates who are in the rank of DG. These names included Govind Gupta, Rajesh Arya, Anil Paliwal and Anand Srivastava besides the top three.
The UPSC on the basis of seniority and service record shortlisted three candidates after discussion with chief secretary Sudhansh Pant, acting DGP Ravi Prakash Meharda and additional chief secretary home Bhaskar Sawant.
Now the ball is in the court of chief minister who can choose and pick one name from the three.
According to sources, the battle is between Rajeev Sharma and Sanjay Agarwal. There is little chance that Nirwan could be named.
“Rajeev Sharma stands a good chance and so does Sanjay Agarwal. Both officers have clean record. Rajesh Nirwan too have a clean record and image of an upright officer. However, CM may give preference to Sharma if not Agarwal,” said a senior police officer.
Rajeev Sharma, a 1990 batch IPS officer, has an impressive track record. He had served in various capacities in Rajatshan as well as on central deputation. Currently, he is on central deputation serving as Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development. He had held various important posts in the past including successful tenure in Central Bureau of Investigation.
Sanjay Agarwal, a 1992 batch IPS officer, is also considered as efficient officer. Currently he is serving as director general, intelligence, which is key post. Agarwal is close to chief minister and is among top two contenders along with Sharma. He had held various important positions including IG CRPF and deputy director of Police Academy in Hyderabad.
Rajesh Nirwan, also a 1992 batch officer is second in seniority and probably third in priority. He is considered honest and efficient officer with unblemished record. He has held several key positions in state and on central deputation. At present also he is on deputation serving as director general, bureau of civil aviation security. He has also held posts like additional director general Border Security Force (BSF), DIG in Central Bureau of Investigation, IG Intelligence and in SOG among others.
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