IGP, DIG among 4 IPS officers transferred in Madhya Pradesh over ‘regrettable public conduct’

By | June 2, 2025

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took swift action to uphold discipline in the police force. He ordered the transfer of four senior IPS officers after they displayed what the government called “regrettable conduct” in public.

The transfers address two separate controversies involving top police officers. These incidents stirred public criticism and concern about police behavior.

Four Officers Transferred

The officers who were transferred include:

  • Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sushant Kumar Saxena (Chambal Range)
  • Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumar Saurabh (Chambal Range)
  • Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Ranjan (Katni)
  • Superintendent of Police (SP) Virendra Kumar Mishra (Datia)

Both incidents—the police brutality case in Katni and a public clash at Datia airport—involved these officers.

Police Misconduct in Katni

SP Abhishek Ranjan faced transfer after a disturbing incident in Katni. The tehsildar, Shailendra Bihari Sharma, accused police of abusing their power. Sharma said police manhandled his family members during a visit to his wife’s official residence.

Sharma alleged police took his relatives to the women’s police station against their will. He claimed police assaulted some of them, including a woman and an elderly person, in front of his 10-year-old son.

He also accused SP Ranjan of ignoring the complaint and defending the officers. This caused public outrage and forced government intervention.

Heated Argument at Datia Airport

The second incident involved IGP Sushant Kumar Saxena, DIG Kumar Saurabh, and SP Virendra Kumar Mishra. During the virtual inauguration of Datia airport on May 31 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the officers had a heated argument.

They disagreed over crowd management plans. The argument escalated and almost turned physical. This confrontation took place in front of BJP workers and political leaders, damaging the police’s reputation.

Security personnel intervened and stopped the clash. However, the damage was done. Chief Minister Yadav acted promptly upon learning of the incident.

New Appointments Announced

Following the controversies, the government appointed new officers:

  • Abhinav Vishwakarma as SP Katni
  • Suraj Verma as SP Datia
  • Sachin Atulkar as IGP Chambal Range
  • Sunil Kumar Jain as DIG Chambal Range

The government stressed the importance of maintaining public trust and discipline. The Home Department stated that misconduct would not be tolerated, no matter the rank.

Reactions from Political and Public Groups

The ruling party praised the Chief Minister’s quick decision. They saw it as a strong message against indiscipline.

Opposition parties expressed concern over increasing police misuse of power. They urged better police training and accountability measures.

Civil society groups and retired officers welcomed the transfers. They, however, said that transfers alone won’t solve the problem. “Officers must face inquiries and legal action when needed,” said a retired Madhya Pradesh DGP who wished to remain anonymous.

Unrelated Transfer Raises Questions

In another move, IGP Pramod Verma, who led a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations against Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, was also transferred. The government said this transfer was routine.

However, political observers questioned the timing. They speculated that the transfer might affect the ongoing probe, but no official statement confirmed this.

Chief Minister’s Firm Message

CM Mohan Yadav emphasized that police officers must meet high standards of conduct. He said, “No officer will be spared if found guilty of misconduct, regardless of rank.”

This administrative shakeup marks one of the most visible efforts to restore discipline in the state police recently. It sends a clear message that the government prioritizes accountability.

Conclusion

Madhya Pradesh’s transfer of four senior IPS officers highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s prompt response shows zero tolerance for public misconduct by police officials.

Whether these transfers lead to lasting reforms in police behavior remains to be seen. Still, this action sets a precedent for strict administrative oversight in Madhya Pradesh.