Haryana Sends Five-Name DGP Panel to UPSC; Shatrujeet Kapur Set to Exit Race as Mittal–Singhal Emerge as Top Contenders
The Haryana government has formally forwarded a panel of five senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the appointment of the state’s next Director General of Police (DGP). As per established procedure, the UPSC will scrutinize the panel and recommend three names, from which the state government will make the final selection.
Although the name of Shatrujeet Kapur, a 1990-batch IPS officer and former DGP, figures in the list sent to the UPSC, multiple developments suggest that his return to the top police post is highly improbable. Administrative circles indicate that the government is instead considering deploying Kapur to the Energy Department, which falls under senior minister Anil Vij, drawing on Kapur’s past experience in the power sector.
Clear Front-Runners in the DGP Selection Process
Among the officers under consideration, three senior IPS officers have emerged as the leading candidates for the DGP post:
Alok Mittal (IPS, 1993 batch)
Regarded as one of the most professionally diverse officers in the cadre, Mittal has held a range of sensitive assignments at both state and central levels. His career includes key postings such as Superintendent of Police in the CBI’s Economic Offences Wing, roles in cyber crime investigations, and service as Inspector General with the National Investigation Agency (NIA). In Haryana, he has extensive district-level policing experience, having served in Panipat, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Rohtak.
Ajay Singhal (IPS, 1992 batch)
A former Police Commissioner of the Ambala–Panchkula Police Commissionerate, Singhal currently heads the state Vigilance Bureau. He is widely perceived as being close to the present state leadership and is also considered to have ideological proximity to the RSS. His administrative style and political acceptability have positioned him as a strong contender.
A.S. Chawla (IPS, 1993 batch)
Presently serving as Director of the Haryana Police Academy in Madhuban, Chawla is known within the force for his clean reputation and deep understanding of policing and training systems. While respected for his integrity, insiders believe his chances depend on the final balance between seniority, experience, and political confidence.
Sources suggest that the real contest has narrowed down to Alok Mittal and Ajay Singhal, with one of them expected to eventually take charge as Haryana’s next police chief.
Why Shatrujeet Kapur Is Falling Out of the Race
Despite his seniority, Shatrujeet Kapur’s prospects for reappointment as DGP have weakened considerably due to a combination of controversy and administrative perception.
Lingering Controversy:
Kapur is a key accused in the suicide case of late IPS officer Y. Pooran Kumar, a factor that has generated serious objections after his name surfaced in the UPSC panel. Civil society groups and members of advisory committees have reportedly cautioned the government against appointing a controversial figure to the top policing post, warning of strong public and institutional backlash.
Perception of Limited Field Engagement:
During his previous tenure, Kapur was viewed by sections within the police establishment as being less visible in active, on-ground policing when compared to officers such as O.P. Singh, who currently holds additional charge of DGP. Singh has drawn positive feedback for frequent district-level visits and close monitoring of major police operations.
Likely Shift to the Energy Department
In light of these factors, the Haryana government is said to be planning Kapur’s redeployment to the Energy Department, possibly in the role of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS). Kapur has previously served as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the state power corporation as well as Principal Secretary in the department. He is credited with initiating measures to curb electricity theft and reduce transmission and distribution losses.
If reassigned, Kapur is expected to continue in the Energy Department for the remainder of his service tenure, with his retirement due in October 2026.
Key Dates and Decision Timeline
December 25, 2025: UPSC is expected to finalize and return a shortlist of three officers to the Haryana government.
December 31, 2025: O.P. Singh, who is currently holding additional charge as DGP, is scheduled to retire.
Following receipt of the UPSC’s recommendations, the Haryana cabinet will take the final call on the appointment of the state’s new Director General of Police, bringing clarity to one of the most closely watched bureaucratic decisions in the state.
