New Delhi (02.08.2025): The appointment of the senior-most IPS officer S. B. K. Singh (1988), currently DG of Home Guards, as the new Delhi Police Commissioner on an additional charge basis has been met with a mix of relief and lingering questions within the force. Singh, an officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been given the post on an ad-hoc basis with a six-month tenure, a move that has both insiders and observers attempting to decode the government's message.
A section of insiders looks at the development from the prism of Bihar Assembly elections but, this appears generalisation of the key development and something out of context.
For many, the appointment is a welcome return to tradition. After years of the top post being held by officers from outside cadres, the command of the Delhi Police is back to one of its own officers. This development has been particularly well-received by officers from the AGMUT cadre who had been waiting for a leader from their ranks to take charge.
However, the nature of the appointment has left some feeling that the arrangement is a missed opportunity. Insiders say that while they are happy to see Singh at the helm, the fact that he was given the role on a temporary basis, rather than as a full-fledged commissioner, diminishes the impact. Singh, who is due to retire in next 180 days i.e. on January 31, 2026, could have served as a more permanent figurehead, they argue, had the appointment not been an ad-hoc arrangement.
Additional charge of Delhi CP to SBK Singh reminds of a similar instance when S. N. Shrivastava (IPS: 1985: UT) was made interim CP of Delhi and was appointed as full-fledged Commissioner of Delhi Police just weeks ahead of retirement on 30.06.2021.
As the force adjusts to its new leadership, many are left wondering what the future holds after the six-month period ends. Will this temporary arrangement pave the way for a more permanent solution, or is it simply a short-term fix to a long-standing issue?
(By Rakesh Ranjan)
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