Key Points:
- Ashok Kumar Rathore, a 1994-batch IPS officer from Rajasthan, has been promoted to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP), effective July 1, 2025.
- He currently serves as Additional Director General of Police (ADG) for Training in Jaipur and will retain this role until further directives.
- His career includes significant roles such as Jodhpur Police Commissioner, IG of the Special Operations Group (SOG), and ADGP of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and SOG.
- Rathore has been honored with the President’s Police Medal in 2021, among other awards, for his distinguished service.
- He played a key role in high-profile investigations, including the Sanjeevani scam and paper leak cases, showcasing his expertise in complex cases.
Background and Education
Ashok Kumar Rathore, born on April 5, 1968, in Rajasthan, holds a B.Tech. degree, reflecting his strong academic foundation. His decision to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) marked the beginning of a remarkable career dedicated to public safety and law enforcement.
Career Highlights
Rathore joined the IPS in 1994 and has since held several critical positions within the Rajasthan Police. His roles have ranged from managing city law enforcement as Jodhpur Police Commissioner to leading specialized units like the ATS and SOG. His investigations into the Sanjeevani scam and paper leak cases have been particularly notable, earning him recognition for tackling sensitive and high-stakes issues.
Recent Promotion
On June 29, 2025, the Rajasthan government announced Rathore’s promotion to DGP rank, placing him in Pay Matrix Level 16. This milestone acknowledges his over three decades of service and leadership in the Rajasthan Police.
Achievements and Recognition
Rathore’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the President’s Police Medal in 2021, the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation in 2020, and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2011. These accolades highlight his commitment to excellence in law enforcement.
Biography of Ashok Kumar Rathore: A Stalwart of the Rajasthan Police
Introduction
On June 29, 2025, the Rajasthan government announced the promotion of two senior IPS officers, Shri Ashok Kumar Rathore and Smt Malini Agarwal, both from the 1994 batch, to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP), effective July 1, 2025 (Rajasthan Promotes Two Senior IPS Officers). This promotion, placing them in Pay Matrix Level 16, is a testament to their exemplary service. Shri Ashok Kumar Rathore, currently the Additional Director General of Police (ADG) for Training in Jaipur, has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades. This biography explores his journey, from his early life to his recent elevation to one of the highest ranks in the Indian Police Service.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 5, 1968, in Rajasthan, Ashok Kumar Rathore demonstrated academic excellence early on, earning a B.Tech. degree . His technical background provided a strong foundation for his analytical approach to policing. Choosing a career in public service, Rathore joined the Indian Police Service, a decision that would shape his legacy as a dedicated law enforcement officer.
Entry into the Indian Police Service
Rathore was appointed to the IPS on September 4, 1994, as part of the Rajasthan cadre’s 1994 batch. His ID number, 19941068, marks his entry into a cadre known for its challenging and diverse responsibilities . After completing his training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, where IPS officers are groomed for leadership, Rathore embarked on a career that would see him tackle some of Rajasthan’s most pressing law enforcement challenges.
Career Progression
Shri Rathore’s career is a chronicle of leadership, resilience, and impactful contributions to the Rajasthan Police. Below is a detailed overview of his key postings:
| Position | Time Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jodhpur Police Commissioner | Before 2018 | Oversaw law and order in Jodhpur, managing city-wide police operations. |
| Inspector General, SOG | 2018 | Led the Special Operations Group, focusing on specialized and counter-terrorism operations. |
| ADGP, ATS and SOG | Until 2022 | Headed the Anti-Terrorism Squad and SOG, investigating high-profile cases like the Sanjeevani scam and paper leak cases . |
| ADG, Security Division | October 2023 | Transferred to lead the security division after an eventful SOG tenure. |
| ADG, Training, Rajasthan, Jaipur | September 23, 2024 – Present | Oversees training and development of police personnel . |
| Promoted to DGP Rank | Effective July 1, 2025 | Retains ADG Training post until further directives. |
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Jodhpur Police Commissioner (Pre-2018): As the police commissioner of Jodhpur, Rathore was responsible for maintaining law and order in one of Rajasthan’s major cities. His tenure likely involved managing urban policing challenges, community engagement, and crime prevention initiatives.
- Inspector General, SOG (2018): Transferred in 2018, Rathore took on the role of Inspector General of the Special Operations Group, a unit tasked with handling specialized operations, including counter-terrorism and organized crime.
- ADGP, ATS and SOG (Until 2022): As Additional Director General of Police for the Anti-Terrorism Squad and SOG, Rathore led critical operations. His tenure was marked by significant investigations, including the Sanjeevani scam, where allegations involved high-ranking officials, and the paper leak case, which impacted Rajasthan’s education system .
- Security Division (October 2023): In October 2023, Rathore was transferred to head the security division, a role that involved overseeing critical security operations across the state
- ADG, Training (September 2024 – Present): Currently, Rathore serves as ADG for Training in Jaipur, where he is responsible for the professional development and training of Rajasthan Police personnel .
- Promotion to DGP Rank (July 2025): His promotion to DGP rank, effective July 1, 2025, places him among the top echelons of the Rajasthan Police, with continued responsibilities in training until further orders.
Notable Achievements
Shri Rathore’s career is distinguished by several accolades and contributions to law enforcement:
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| President’s Police Medal (PPM) | 2021 | Awarded for distinguished and meritorious services (President’s Police Medal). |
| Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence (USP) | 2020 | Recognized for excellence in investigation . |
| Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM) | 2011 | Honored for sustained meritorious service |
High-Profile Investigations
- Sanjeevani Scam: During his tenure as ADGP of ATS and SOG, Rathore led the investigation into the Sanjeevani scam, a high-profile case involving allegations against prominent figures, including Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot naming Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who subsequently filed a defamation case . This investigation underscored Rathore’s ability to handle politically sensitive cases with professionalism.
- Paper Leak Case: Rathore also investigated the paper leak case, which had significant implications for Rajasthan’s education system, demonstrating his expertise in addressing systemic issues .
Recent Promotion to DGP Rank
On June 29, 2025, the Rajasthan government announced Rathore’s promotion to the rank of Director General of Police, effective July 1, 2025. This elevation places him in Pay Matrix Level 16, recognizing his over 30 years of dedicated service. He will continue to serve as ADG Training in Jaipur until further directives, ensuring continuity in his role (Rajasthan Promotes Two Senior IPS Officers).
Personal Qualities and Impact
Shri Ashok Kumar Rathore’s career reflects a blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety. His ability to navigate complex investigations, coupled with his contributions to police training, has strengthened the Rajasthan Police’s operational and professional capabilities. His promotion to DGP rank is a fitting recognition of his contributions and a promise of continued leadership in the state’s law enforcement.
Conclusion
From his early days as a B.Tech. graduate to his current role as a DGP-rank officer, Shri Ashok Kumar Rathore’s journey is a testament to dedication, integrity, and excellence. His leadership in high-profile investigations, coupled with prestigious awards like the President’s Police Medal, highlights his significant impact on Rajasthan’s law enforcement landscape. As he steps into this new phase of his career, his experience and vision will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of the Rajasthan Police.