In a significant development, the Central government has approved the premature repatriation of senior IPS officer Y B Khurania to Odisha, amid speculation about his appointment as the next Director General of Police (DGP) of the state. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has sanctioned the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ proposal for the 1990-batch IPS officer to return to his parent cadre.
Currently serving as Special Director General, Border Security Force (BSF), Western Command, Khurania is poised to fill the vacant full-time DGP position in Odisha. This decision aligns with a broader reshuffle within the BSF by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has also seen BSF Chief Nitin Agarwal repatriated to the Kerala cadre.
An Illustrious Career
Khurania, who previously held the position of Additional DGP (Provisioning) in Odisha before his Central deputation, has an extensive service record. He has served as Superintendent of Police in Rourkela, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and several other districts. Upon his promotion to the rank of DIG/IG, he oversaw the Bhubaneswar Range, Southern Range Berhampur, and Northern Range Sambalpur.
Khurania’s tenure includes notable achievements such as the arrest of Dara Singh, a Bajrang Dal member convicted for the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons. He also apprehended the notorious gangster duo, the Dhala Samanta brothers, during his term as Police Commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack in January 2016.
Internal Security Concerns
The repatriation of Khurania comes amid rumblings over recent security breaches, particularly the infiltration via the Jammu international border, which has been a matter of debate within security circles. The drawdown of BSF force levels for Lok Sabha election duty has raised concerns about maintaining stringent border security. As the Special DG Western Command, Khurania has been responsible for overseeing the International Border in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab.
Anticipated Leadership
As Khurania prepares to assume the role of DGP in Odisha, his extensive experience and notable accomplishments mark him as a promising leader for the state’s police force. His career is decorated with commendations including the Governor’s Medal and the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service, reflecting his commitment and excellence in the field of law enforcement.
The official notification reads, “The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the premature repatriation of Shri Y.B Khurania, IPS (OD;90), Special DG BSF to his parent cadre with immediate effect.” This repatriation is anticipated to bring a new dynamic to Odisha’s police leadership, fostering enhanced security and governance.
With Khurania’s imminent appointment, Odisha’s law enforcement landscape is poised for significant positive changes under his seasoned guidance.
Prasanta Patnaik