K Subramanyam may become new DGP

K Subramanyam, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1976 batch, is a frontrunner claimant for the post of director general of police (DGP). DGP Ajit Parasnis is due to retire on September 30 after completing an extension period of three months given on his superannuation.

A high power committee, under the chairmanship of chief secretary Ratnakar Gaikwad, is expected to take a decision on the post in the next couple of days. The committee, which selects the senior-most candidate through empanelment, has four names before it for consideration. Subramanyam is director general of the Anti Corruption Bureau and is due to retire in July 2012. Next to him in seniority is Sanjeev Dayal, managing director, police housing and welfare corporation, the second preferred candidate. The 1977 batch officer has more than three years to go before his retirement.

The other two names in the race for DGP are addition director generals Raj Khilnani and Praveen Dixit, both of whom are from the 1977 batch.

According to sources in the home department, Subramanyam is the strongest contender and has an excellent track record clubbed with seniority.

Home minister RR Patil said that the appointment will be based on seniority and merit, and the announcement would be made a few hours before the existing DG retires. Patil said that Parasnis was given an extension as he was heading a committee appointed to look into the recommendations made by the Pradhan committee. Patil added that the committee has completed its work and the report will be submitted in the next few days.