The political landscape of Jharkhand is abuzz with the unexpected resignation of DGP Anurag Gupta. The move follows a significant decision on September 19th, where the state government stripped Gupta of his oversight of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). This action is widely believed to be connected to the high-profile liquor scam and the role of senior IAS officer Vinay Choubey. Choubey, arrested by the ACB for his alleged involvement in the scam, secured bail due to the bureau’s failure to submit a chargesheet within the mandated timeframe. The government, facing backlash for this lapse, reportedly attributed the delay to DGP Gupta’s inaction, as the ACB was under his purview. This situation had put the government’s administrative capabilities under scrutiny and led to internal friction among senior IAS officials. The article previously hinted at an impending significant development, which has now materialized with Gupta’s resignation under alleged government pressure. This marks a stark contrast to the government’s previous unwavering support for Gupta, including policy changes and a two-year service extension beyond retirement, highlighting a major shift in their relationship. Whispers of arbitrary decision-making and involvement in corruption cases are circulating as reasons for his departure. The arrest of Vinay Singh, a key figure in the Hazaribagh land scam and an associate of Vinay Choubey, is also being pointed to as a catalyst, given Singh’s influential connections. Meanwhile, the government has appointed T. Mishra as the new acting DGP, opting for her over more senior male officers, thereby creating history as Jharkhand’s first female DGP.
