The name of senior Tripura-cadre IPS officer Puneet Rastogi has emerged in administrative and police circles amid discussions over the appointment of the next regular Director General of Police (DGP) of Tripura.
Rastogi, a 1995-batch IPS officer, recently met Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha during a visit to the state, prompting speculation about his possible return to Tripura. However, sources familiar with the visit said Rastogi was in the state primarily in connection with official work related to the Border Security Force (BSF). There has been no official confirmation that his meeting with the Chief Minister was linked to the DGP appointment.
Rastogi is currently serving as Special Director General of the BSF on central deputation. Earlier this month, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment to the Special DG post at Level-16, with the tenure continuing until his superannuation on June 30, 2030, or until further orders.
A direct-recruit IPS officer who joined the service in 1995 through the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Rastogi has held several important assignments in Tripura Police, including Additional Director General of Police (Crime). In 2022, the Tripura Government placed his services at the disposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for appointment in the BSF.
The question of the next regular DGP has assumed significance following the death of 1994-batch IPS officer Anurag Dhankar in July. Subsequently, 1999-batch IPS officer GS Rao was given additional charge as DGP. The government order identified Rao as the next senior-most IPS officer serving in the state at that time.
The seniority structure is notable as several officers senior to Rao in the Tripura cadre are currently on central deputation or holding positions outside the state.
The seniority list includes Rajiv Singh (1993 batch), Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat; Puneet Rastogi (1995 batch), Special DG, BSF; M. Raja Murugan (1996 batch); Saurabh Tripathi (1997 batch); Arvinder Singh and RS Kamble (both 1998 batch), all on central deputation; followed by GS Rao (1999 batch), who is currently DGP (in-charge) and ADGP (Armed Police).
Against this backdrop, Rastogi's seniority, previous experience in Tripura Police and his recent elevation to Special DG rank have made his name a subject of discussion regarding the state's next regular DGP. The final decision, however, will depend on the government's formal process and the relevant administrative considerations.
