Bhubaneswar: Ace Top Cop, Yeshwant Kumar Jethwa, a distinguished 1994-batch IPS officer, has been empanelled to the coveted Director General (DG) rank in the Government of India. This significant elevation comes as he continues to spearhead a highly effective anti-corruption drive as the Director of the State Vigilance Organization in Odisha.
Shri Jethwa, known for his integrity, professional competence, and remarkable team spirit, took charge of the State Vigilance Organization on June 25, 2021. Under his dynamic leadership, the Odisha Vigilance has achieved unprecedented success in its mission to curb corruption, setting new benchmarks nationwide.
Sources close to the Vigilance Directorate confirm that “almost on every day Team Vigilance is nabbing corrupt officials,” a testament to the relentless and proactive approach adopted under Shri Jethwa. His tenure has seen the Directorate make significant strides, particularly in the detection and registration of Disproportionate Assets (DA) cases. As per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Odisha Vigilance emerged as the number one state in the country for detecting and registering DA cases, highlighting a meticulous and intelligence-driven strategy to unearth illicit wealth.
Furthermore, the Vigilance Directorate under Shri Jethwa has maintained a robust conviction rate, ensuring that corrupt public servants face due legal consequences. Odisha has consistently ranked among the top states in converting cases into successful prosecutions, with a notable conviction rate. This commitment to justice has also resulted in a significant number of dismissals of convicted public servants from government service.
Shri Jethwa’s strategic vision extends to modernizing anti-corruption efforts. He has consistently emphasized the crucial role of technology and forensic science in investigations and prosecutions, bolstering the department’s capacity to handle complex financial crimes. His “no-nonsense approach” has been widely credited with elevating the State Vigilance to a “Next Level,” according to senior officials.
Before his pivotal role in State Vigilance, Shri Jethwa held key positions including ADG Law and Order and ADG Crime Branch in Odisha. His extensive experience also includes a challenging and sensitive assignment as Inspector General (IGP) in the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force responsible for the security of VVIPs like the Prime Minister and President of India. His central deputation provided him with invaluable insights into the functioning of Central Police Organizations and the broader Government of India.
Earlier in his career, as IGP Southern Western Range, Shri Jethwa demonstrated exceptional prowess in handling Anti-Maoist Operations, effectively containing extremists in the challenging regions of Koraput, Malkangiri, and Kalahandi. His seamless coordination with Central Para Military Forces, including CRPF, CoBRA, and BSF, earned him widespread acclaim from both the State and Union Governments.
The empanelment to the Director General rank signifies a further recognition of Shri Jethwa’s exemplary service and capabilities, positioning him for even higher responsibilities in the nation’s security and administrative apparatus.