Haryana Starts Search for New DGP as O.P. Singh Nears Retirement; Senior IPS Officers in the Race
The Haryana government has officially launched the process to select the state’s next Director General of Police (DGP), as the current acting DGP, O.P. Singh (IPS: 1992: HY), is scheduled to retire on December 31, 2025. To ensure a smooth transition, the state administration is preparing a list of five to seven senior IPS officers, which will be sent to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The UPSC will then shortlist three names, from which the state government will choose the new police chief.
Why a New DGP Is Needed
O.P. Singh has been serving as the acting DGP since October 14, after former DGP Shatrujeet Kapur (IPS:1990:HY) went on leave. Kapur’s leave came amid intense public pressure following the suicide of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar (IPS:2001:HY), who mentioned the names of senior officers in his note.
Since stepping in, O.P. Singh has been appreciated for his disciplined approach and steady handling of state police affairs. However, with his retirement approaching, the state must complete the selection process quickly.
Supreme Court Rules Governing DGP Appointments
The state is required to follow strict guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. These include:
Only IPS officers at the DGP rank (Level-16) can be considered.
Officers must have at least six months of service left on the date the post becomes vacant.
The state must collect integrity certificates, service records, and willingness letters from eligible officers.
Currently, five IPS officers from the Haryana cadre fulfil these conditions.
Senior IPS Officers Likely to Be Considered
According to officials, the following names are expected to be sent to UPSC:
Shatrujeet Kapur (IPS:1990:HY) – on leave
Sanjeev Kumar Jain (IPS:1991:HY) – DGP, Haryana Human Rights Commission
Ajay Singhal (IPS:1992:HY) – DGP, Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau
Alok Kumar Mittal (IPS:1993:HY) – MD, Haryana Police Housing Corporation
Arshinder Singh Chawla (IPS:1993:HY) – Director, Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban
Although S.K. Jain was previously not considered due to integrity issues in 2023, his name may still appear in the long list. However, based on current assessments, Ajay Singhal, Alok Mittal, and Arshinder Singh Chawla are seen as leading contenders and are expected to form the UPSC-recommended shortlist.
What Happens After UPSC Shortlists the Names
The selection process will move forward in the following steps:
Haryana sends the list of eligible IPS officers to UPSC.
UPSC evaluates service records, seniority, and integrity.
UPSC prepares a three-member panel.
The panel is sent to the Central Government.
The Haryana government chooses one officer as the new DGP.
This multi-step procedure ensures transparency and compliance with legal norms.
Context Behind the Administrative Shake-Up
The process is unfolding against the backdrop of the tragic suicide of ADGP Y. Puran Singh, which triggered significant criticism of the police leadership. His note named several senior officials, leading to intense media attention and public dissatisfaction. As a result, Shatrujeet Kapur proceeded on leave, and O.P. Singh took charge temporarily.
Now, with O.P. Singh preparing to retire, the state government is moving swiftly to stabilise the top leadership of the police force.
