Chandigarh: The Haryana government has appointed senior IPS officer Ajay Singhal (IPS:1992:HY) as the Director General of Police (DGP) of the state, following the retirement of incumbent DGP O.P. Singh (IPS:1992:HY) on Wednesday. Mr Singhal’s appointment, effective immediately, was made from a panel of three officers empanelled by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Appointment Process and Tenure
The UPSC had forwarded a panel comprising Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor (1990 batch), Ajay Singhal (1992 batch), and Alok Mittal (1993 batch) to the Haryana government. After due consideration, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and senior state officials approved Singhal’s selection.
According to the order issued by Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Singhal will serve as DGP for a minimum tenure of at least two years, until his retirement scheduled on October 31, 2028.
Career Profile of Ajay Singhal
Personal Background –
- Birth: October 15, 1968
- Native: Rewari, Haryana
- Education: B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
Professional Highlights:
- Director General, State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau: December 2025
- Director General of Prisons: Managed state correctional facilities before moving to Vigilance Bureau
- Additional Director General, Vigilance and Crime Branch: Held senior roles in specialized units including Crime Against Women and State Crime Branch
- Commissioner, Ambala-Panchkula Police Commissionerate
- Served as ASP and SP in several districts, handling high-crime and sensitive regions
Awards & Recognition:
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2017)
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2008)
IPS Singhal is known for coordination with central agencies, administrative integrity, and a career largely free from controversies.
Background Context
O.P. Singh, who retired on Wednesday, had been holding the post of DGP in additional charge after the then regular DGP Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor was sent on leave in connection with the tragic suicide of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar in October 2025. Singh was given a farewell at the Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban, Karnal.
Ajay Singhal himself recently served as DG of State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau and has also handled key operational and administrative roles, including DG of Prisons, ADGP Railways and Commando, and leadership of specialized police units.
Significance of the Appointment
Being the senior-most IPS officer in the Haryana cadre, Singhal’s appointment reflects the state government’s emphasis on experienced leadership and stability at the top of the police force. His tenure is expected to strengthen administrative efficiency and coordination across Haryana’s police departments during a period of heightened scrutiny and reform following recent controversies.
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