Karnataka, Bengaluru: The appointment of MA Saleem, currently serving as CID DGP, as Karnataka’s next Director General and Inspector General of Police (DGP-IGP) appears imminent. If confirmed, Saleem would be the first Kannada-speaking IPS officer in decades to assume the state’s top police position.
The tenure of incumbent DGP Alok Mohan ends on April 30. Despite his appeal for an extension to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and the Congress High Command, sources suggest the Chief Minister is inclined toward appointing Saleem to the role. Saleem’s candidacy is gaining momentum amidst both administrative and political considerations.
Among the top contenders are Fire and Emergency Services DGP Prashant Kumar Thakur (1992 batch) and MA Saleem (1993 batch). However, with Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao being ruled out due to his alleged involvement in the Ranya Rao case and placed on compulsory leave, and Malini Krishnamurthy nearing retirement in July, the field has narrowed. While seniority could favor Thakur, political backing and linguistic representation may tip the balance in favor of Saleem. The state government is expected to submit a panel of three DGP-rank officers soon for the final selection.
