On the first day of the new year, senior police officers in Uttar Pradesh were formally recognised in a ceremony at the state police headquarters in Lucknow. Director General of Police Rajiv Krishna presented insignia to newly promoted officers and used the occasion to outline priorities for the year ahead, urging greater vigilance against evolving criminal networks.
Uttar Pradesh police promotions
The ceremony marked promotions across several senior grades. Tarun Gaba and Praveen Kumar were elevated from Inspector General to Additional Director General, receiving their insignia from the DGP. Officers promoted from Deputy Inspector General to Inspector General included Kiran S, Anand Suresh Rao Kulkarni, Amit Verma, Rajiv Malhotra, Dr Akhilesh Kumar Nigam and Hemraj Meena. Santhosh Kumar Mishra was promoted to Deputy Inspector General and also received his badge during the event.
DGP Rajiv Krishna met staff and officers at a separate function in the police headquarters to extend New Year greetings and to thank personnel for their service. He said the force must adopt a more active posture in 2026 to meet the changing nature of crime and to strengthen public trust in law enforcement.
“The past year tested our duty and resilience,” he said in an emotional message to personnel. “The uniform symbolises not only authority but responsibility. Every word and decision can build public confidence. Our strength lies in collective morale.”
Krishna acknowledged the achievements of the force, noting that disciplined and sensitive policing had bolstered law and order across the state. He urged officers to renew their commitment to service, discipline and citizen-centred policing in the year ahead.
The DGP also flagged the shifting face of crime, warning that criminals now operate as organised networks rather than in isolated localities. He called for fresh thinking in strategy and operations to counter cyber-enabled offences and networked criminal activity, and urged officers to update methods and pursue intelligence-led policing.
Senior officials and staff who attended the event described it as both celebratory and motivational. By recognising merit through promotions, the leadership aims to reinforce accountability and to ensure that experienced officers take on strategic roles in combating complex threats.
The ceremony underlined the state force’s emphasis on public service and sensitivity in policing, and on maintaining discipline and self-restraint. It also served as a public reaffirmation of the force’s commitment to upholding law and order while deepening ties with the communities it serves.
As the state enters the new year, the promoted officers will take on expanded responsibilities in operational command and administration. Observers say their leadership will be tested by emerging challenges such as cybercrime, organised networks and the need to maintain public confidence.
With a renewed focus on training, technology and community engagement, the Uttar Pradesh police leadership signalled its intention to adapt to modern threats while preserving the principles of service and discipline that the DGP highlighted during the ceremony.
Key Takeaways:
- Uttar Pradesh police promotions recognised new leadership at a headquarters ceremony led by DGP Rajiv Krishna.
- Senior officers, including promotions to ADG and IG ranks, received insignia and New Year messages stressing active policing.
- The event emphasised public service, discipline and a renewed focus on tackling organised and cyber-enabled crime.
