Daijiworld Media Network – Ranchi

Ranchi, May 2: Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Friday accused the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government of illegally retaining retired IPS officer Anurag Gupta as the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), despite his retirement on April 30.

At a press conference, Marandi cited a union home ministry letter that instructed Gupta to retire on attaining the age of 60. “Despite the clear directive, Gupta continues to function as DGP, which is illegal,” said Marandi, terming it a violation of All India Services rules.

He claimed only the Centre can extend the tenure of IAS/IPS officers. “The state government has no such authority. Gupta retired on April 30, and any decision taken by him beyond that date holds no legal ground,” Marandi added.

Highlighting the seriousness of the matter, he said Jharkhand currently has no legally valid DGP, and that Gupta’s continuation also impacts his roles as head of ACB and CID, creating a ‘constitutional crisis’.

Marandi further accused Gupta of acting under CM Soren’s influence, allegedly threatening witnesses in ED cases and facilitating illegal mining and coal theft in the state. He called Gupta a ‘tainted officer,’ reminding that he was once suspended for 22 months by the same government.

He also released a letter from the union home ministry dated April 22, which states that the state’s move to appoint Gupta as DGP till 2027 violated Supreme Court guidelines in the Prakash Singh case. It also cited Rule 16(1) of the All-India Services Rules, clearly stating Gupta's service should end on April 30.

Marandi demanded immediate removal of Gupta and warned of legal consequences if the state continues to ignore the Centre’s directive.