The Haryana government has named senior Indian Police Service officer Ajay Singhal as the state's new Director General of Police. The appointment was finalized on Wednesday, marking a significant leadership change at the top of the state's police force.
Leadership Transition After Retirement
Ajay Singhal, a 1992-batch IPS officer, succeeds O P Singh, who held the position in an officiating capacity and retired on the same day. Singhal was serving as the Director General of the Haryana Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau before his new appointment. The change concludes a period of interim leadership that began in mid-October.
The Selection Process by UPSC Panel
The decision was made following a meeting of the Union Public Service Commission empanelment committee on Wednesday. The committee shortlisted three officers from a broader panel of five names submitted by the state government.
The shortlisted candidates were:
- Ajay Singhal (1992 batch)
- Shatrujeet Kapur (1990 batch), the former DGP and current Chairman of the Police Housing Corporation
- Alok Mittal (1993 batch), Managing Director of the Haryana Police Housing Corporation
The Haryana delegation at this crucial UPSC meeting included the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra and the outgoing DGP, O P Singh. After the committee's recommendation, the Department of Personnel and Training communicated the decision to the Haryana government, which led to the Governor issuing the formal appointment orders for Singhal.
Background of the Recent Turmoil
This appointment brings stability after a period of upheaval. O P Singh had assumed the role of officiating DGP in mid-October after the then-incumbent, Shatrujeet Kapur, was sent on leave. This action was linked to a controversy surrounding the death of another IPS officer, Y Puran Kumar of the 2001 batch. Kapur was later formally relieved of his charge in the second week of December, confirming O P Singh's officiating position until his retirement.
Earlier on Wednesday, a farewell parade was held at the Haryana Police Academy in Madhuban to honor both the retiring O P Singh and another officer, Muhammad Akil.
The appointment of Ajay Singhal is seen as a move to ensure experienced leadership guides the Haryana Police force. With his extensive background, including his recent role in vigilance and anti-corruption, the state government expects a focus on integrity and effective policing under the new DGP.
