Bhubaneswar: Odisha government had appointed 1990 batch IPS officer, well known for his achievements, as the new Yogesh Bahadur Khurania as the new director general of police (DGP) of the state. He takes over from Arun Sarangi. The move has been hailed widely as Khurania enjoys the reputation of being a highly efficient and honest police officer.
Sources said that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had recommended three names for the top post and state government selected Khurania to head the state police force. Khurania, who was serving as the special director general (DG) of Border Security Force (BSF), western command in Chandigarh, was repatriated to his parent cadre on August 2.
The 1990 batch officer who had served as police commissioner of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack before he proceeded on Central deputation has vast experience in Odisha where he has served in various positions. Among the important positions he has held is that of vigilance director and Bhubaneswar-Cuttack police commissioner before he left on central deputation and joined the BSF in 2018.
One of his major achievements as a police officer was to arrest arrest Dara Singh who had led a mob and set afire a station wagon in which Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons were burnt to death in their sleep in January 1999. The incident took place at Manoharpur village in Keonjhar district and Khurania was then serving as DIG.
He also served as SP of Nayagarh, Jajpur, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj and Rourkela districts. On promotion to the rank of deputy inspector general, he was posted as DIG southern range, Berhampur and others. Khurania also held the post of Director, Biju Patnaik State Police Academy-cum-IG Training, Bhubaneswar.
A highly efficient officer Khurania, during his service, has received many commendations and rewards. Notable among them are the Governor’s Medal and President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Ati Utkrisht Seva Medal and Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak.
As special DG of BSF, Khurania played an important role in securing India’s borders and preventing cross-border crimes. Those who know him say that his expertise and experience would be invaluable for the state police and come in handy when he discharges his duty as the head of state police force.
Born in the small district of Kaithal, Haryana, on 9 March 1966, Khurania rose through the ranks and earned a reputation for his integrity and commitment. He has left a lasting impact on all the jobs he has carried out so far in his long and illustrious career.
Most importantly his career has been untarnished by controversies which often dog senior police officers. Instead he has left a lasting imprint on every assignment he has carried out so far including the crucial role of Commissioner of Police for the Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. His tenure as police commissioner was particularly noted for its effectiveness and innovation. He set a high standard for policing in the region. He is expected to bring the same kind of efficiency to his new assignment. Policing in the state is certain to improve under him.
