IPS Officers Eye Top ED Posts As Major Leadership Shake-up Looms?

A significant power struggle is brewing within India's premier financial investigation agency as the Centre prepares for a major leadership reshuffle. With the current Enforcement Directorate (ED) chief set to retire next year, the Indian Police Service (IPS) lobby is making aggressive moves to strengthen its presence in an agency traditionally dominated by Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers.

The appointment of UT cadre IPS officer Viplav Chaudhary a few months ago marked the beginning of what sources describe as a deliberate strategy to increase IPS representation in the ED's top echelons. After Sonia Narang's departure left a Special Director position vacant, creating an opportunity that the Centre appears keen to fill with another IPS officer soon, top sources say. 

The shift represents a stark contrast to the agency's composition just five years ago. In January 2019, the ED housed merely three IPS officers, with the remaining senior positions firmly held by IRS officials. This skewed ratio is now being actively addressed by the government, signalling a potential paradigm shift in the agency's leadership structure.

The intensifying turf battle extends far beyond mere numerical representation. Sources reveal that the IPS lobby's growing influence has created palpable tension among IRS officers, who have historically viewed the ED as their domain. The concern among IRS officials is legitimate – if IPS officers continue to consolidate their position, the next ED Director could well be from the IPS.

This scenario isn't unprecedented. Karnal Singh, an IPS officer, successfully headed the ED from 2016 to 2018, demonstrating that the police service can effectively lead the financial investigation agency. His tenure established a precedent that current IPS officers are eager to replicate. The Centre's apparent preference for increasing IPS representation suggests a strategic shift toward more aggressive enforcement tactics. "This approach aligns with the government's broader emphasis on strengthening investigative agencies and ensuring swift action against financial crimes" a top source said.

As the current Director's retirement approaches, both lobbies are expected to intensify their efforts. The Centre's decision will not only determine the immediate leadership succession but also set the tone for the ED's long-term institutional culture.