Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, an IPS Officer of 1988 batch (Assam-Meghalaya), Saturday took charge as the Director-General of Police (DGP), Assam at the State Police Headquarters.

Mahanta has been empanelled as Director General of Police (DGP) In-charge of Assam on Friday.

Kuladhar Saikia, the current Assam Police chief has retired on Saturday. According to reports, the state government had sent names of five DGP rank officials to the UPSC for the post of DGP, Assam. They are NK Sinha, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, KB Singh Deu, BK Mishra, and Mukesh Agarwal.

Mahanta was credited for his service and honoured with President's Gold Medal, chief of the Army Staff Gold Medal, Chief Minister's Medal for Outstanding Service in 2008 and other gallantry awards.