The Haryana government has appointed 1992-batch IPS officer Ajay Singhal as the new Director General of Police (DGP), handing him the responsibility of leading the state’s police force at a crucial time. A seasoned officer with decades of experience, Singhal takes over from OP Singh, who retired on December 31.
Singhal, who hails from Rewari district, was serving as the Director General of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) before being elevated to the top police post.
How Ajay Singhal Was Selected
The appointment followed a structured selection process laid down by the Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh judgment. A high-level UPSC empanelment committee shortlisted three officers from five senior IPS officers nominated by the Haryana government.
Officers shortlisted by UPSC
- Shatrujeet Singh Kapur (1990 batch)
- Ajay Singhal (1992 batch)
- Alok Mittal (1993 batch)
After reviewing service records, experience, and leadership ability, the Haryana government selected Ajay Singhal as the new DGP.
The two other officers who were in the initial panel but did not make it to the final UPSC shortlist were:
- Sanjeev Kumar Jain (1991 batch)
- Dr A S Chawla (1993 batch)
A Two-Year Guaranteed Tenure
As per Supreme Court guidelines, every state DGP must be given a minimum fixed tenure of two years, regardless of retirement date. Ajay Singhal is due to retire on October 31, 2028, which ensures stability in the top leadership of Haryana Police.
This long tenure is expected to help in carrying out sustained reforms, strengthening law enforcement, and improving public trust in the police system.
Who is Ajay Singhal?
Strong Academic and Professional Background
Ajay Singhal is an IIT Delhi graduate in Mechanical Engineering, a rare academic distinction among senior police officers. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a firm and balanced administrator.
Distinguished Service Record
During his long career, Singhal has served in several critical assignments, including:
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
- Railway Police
- Commando Wing
- Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
- Haryana Human Rights Commission
- Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau
His work in sensitive and high-risk departments has earned him respect within the force and beyond.
National-Level Honours
Ajay Singhal’s dedication to service has been recognised at the highest level:
- Police Medal (2008)
- President’s Police Medal (2017)
These awards are given only to officers with exceptional integrity and performance.
Challenges Before the New DGP
Singhal steps into the role after a turbulent period in the Haryana Police leadership. Former DGP Shatrujeet Singh Kapur had gone on leave after being named in a case related to the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. OP Singh was given interim charge until his retirement.
Now, with a full-time DGP in place, the Haryana government hopes for stability, discipline, and a sharper focus on crime control, internal accountability, and public safety.
Singhal’s First Response
Reacting to his appointment, Ajay Singhal said:
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for showing faith in me and entrusting me with this important responsibility.”
His words reflect a calm but determined approach as he prepares to lead one of North India’s most important police forces.
Why This Appointment Matters
The selection of Ajay Singhal is seen as a move towards professional, experience-based leadership. With his background in vigilance, intelligence, and human rights, expectations are high that he will bring balance between strict law enforcement and citizens’ rights.