New Delhi: January 2026 marks a significant transition in India’s civil services, as 38 senior officers – including 20 IAS officers and 18 IPS officers from various batches and state cadres – are set to retire after decades of distinguished service. Among them, the 18 IPS officers who superannuated on January 31 have made lasting contributions to policing, law enforcement, and public administration across the country.
From managing complex law and order situations, spearheading anti-corruption and intelligence initiatives, to modernizing police training and administrative systems, these officers’ careers reflect unwavering dedication, discipline, and professional excellence. In this story, we spotlight their journeys, achievements, and key postings, celebrating their impact on public safety and governance. In the next story, we will profile the 20 retired IAS officers, highlighting their service and contributions to India’s administration.
Profile of Retiring IPS Officers (Cadre-wise) –
Andhra Pradesh Cadre:
Anjani Kumar
Mr Kumar, born on Jan 28, 1966, in Patna, Bihar, is a 1990-batch IPS officer of the Telangana cadre. An alumnus of St. Xavier’s High School, Patna, and Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, he excelled at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, winning the Maharaja of Tonk Cup for horse riding and the RD Singh Cup for swimming. He has held several high-profile positions, including Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad (2018–2021), Chief of Greyhounds, and head of Counter Intelligence. He served as DGP of Telangana from 2022 until his suspension in 2023 and was twice awarded the UN Peace Medal for service in Bosnia (1998–1999). His decorations include the President’s Police Medal (2016), Indian Police Medal (2007), and Internal Security Medal. In 2025, following a cadre reallocation, he was appointed Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, Andhra Pradesh. He recently made headlines due to a cadre reallocation that saw him return to Andhra Pradesh in early 2025.
G Pala Raju
Mr Raju, born on Jan 18, 1966, is a 2005-batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Originally from Andhra Pradesh, he holds a B.Tech degree and joined the IPS via State Police Service promotion. He currently serves as Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Andhra Pradesh Police, since January 2025. His career includes key leadership roles: IGP of Guntur Range & DISHA (April 2023), Commissioner of Police, Vijayawada City (December 2021), DIG Technical Services, DIG Eluru Range, and SP of Vizianagaram. He also served as Group Commander of the elite Greyhounds anti-Naxal unit (2012–2016). Known for overseeing crime detection, women’s safety initiatives, and technological modernization, Raju has contributed significantly to Andhra Pradesh policing across district, range, and specialized levels, combining operational expertise with strategic leadership.
AGMUT Cadre:
Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh
SBK Singh, born circa 1966, is a 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the AGMUT cadre. An alumnus of Sainik School Tilaiya and St. Stephen’s College (Physics Honours), he also holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from IGNOU. With 36 years of service, Singh has held critical leadership roles, including Commissioner of Delhi Police (additional charge, August 2025), DGP of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, and DG of Home Guards, Delhi. His operational experience spans ACP and DCP postings in Delhi, leadership of state police reforms, and international service with UN Peacekeeping in Kosovo. Singh spent over seven years in the Cabinet Secretariat (R&AW), handling intelligence operations. Recognized for reforms, modernization, and personnel welfare, he has received the President’s Police Medal, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and UN Peacekeeping Medal. Singh blends operational acumen with reflective leadership, earning a reputation as a reformer and thinker in Indian policing.
Nuzhat Hassan
Nuzhat Hassan, born circa 1966, is a 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the AGMUT cadre. She holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry, an LLB, and an MA in Mass Communications from Jamia Millia Islamia. Hassan currently serves as Director General of Home Guards, Delhi (since August 2025) and was empanelled to the rank of DG in February 2025. She has held several historic and high-profile roles, including DGP of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (2017), becoming the first female IPS officer to lead the force there, IGP of Arunachal Pradesh, and Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi, overseeing Human Resources, Vigilance, the Economic Offences Wing, and Women Safety (SPUWAC). Known for her focus on community safety, women’s security, and administrative excellence, Hassan combines operational expertise with a strong legal and academic foundation. She is also a published author of short stories reflecting social issues.
Bihar Cadre:
Dilnawaz Ahmad
Mr Ahmad, born on January 5, 1966, in Madhepura, Bihar, is a 2012-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre. Originally a Bihar Police Service officer, he was promoted to the IPS in December 2018. He holds an M.A. degree. Ahmad has served in key field and administrative roles, including Superintendent of Police (SP), Kaimur, Commandant of Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP-7), Katihar, and with the Civil Defence department, Patna. He has also served as a Police Observer for the Election Commission of India, including West Bengal elections. Known for supporting community policing initiatives like “Shernis,” which focused on women’s empowerment, Ahmad’s career spans district-level leadership, specialized armed policing, and civil administration. He retires on Jan 31, 2026, leaving behind a record of dedicated service and progressive policing initiatives in Bihar.
Madhya Pradesh Cadre:
Jagdish Dawar
Mr Dawar, born on January 21, 1966, is a senior IPS officer of the MP cadre. Originally part of the Madhya Pradesh State Police Service, he was promoted to the IPS through the Select List of 2020, with official notification in January 2022. He is set to retire in January 2026. Dawar has held key leadership roles, including Superintendent of Police (SP), Barwani, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), Indore, where he oversaw urban policing, administrative operations, and social safety initiatives in collaboration with institutions like IIM Indore. Prior to his IPS induction, he served across the state in various district and range-level positions, gaining extensive field and administrative experience. Recognized for steady leadership and operational expertise, Dawar was promoted to the Selection Grade (Pay Matrix Level-13) in late 2025, concluding a distinguished career bridging state and national policing structures in Madhya Pradesh.
Maharashtra Cadre:
S G Wayse Patil
Sambhaji Ganpat (S. G.) Wayse Patil, born on Jan 3, 1966, is a senior IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre. He belongs to the 2011 IPS batch (Select List 2017) and retired from service on January 31, 2026. During his career, he held several important field and supervisory assignments within the Maharashtra Police. He served as Superintendent of Police, Pune Railway Police, where he led intelligence-driven operations to curb illegal animal smuggling and other organized crimes. He also served as Superintendent of Police in the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), handling sensitive investigations aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in public administration. Earlier, as Assistant Commissioner of Police, including at Panigate Police Station in Vadodara, he was noted for humane policing and victim support. His career reflects disciplined service across railway policing, anti-corruption, and frontline law enforcement roles.
Rajasthan Cadre:
Anil Kumar Tank
Mr Tank, born on January 3, 1966, is a 2006-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre. He is currently serving as Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Law & Order at the Police Headquarters, Jaipur, and has held additional charge as IGP, Jaipur Range, since May 2024. His career spans key operational, investigative, and training assignments, including DIG, Crime Investigation Department (C.I.D. C.B.), DIG, Recruitment & Promotion Board, and Principal of the Rajasthan Police Training Centre, Kishangarh, Ajmer. Known for his expertise in police training, personnel management, and handling complex law-and-order situations, Tank has served across multiple districts and headquarters roles in Rajasthan. A resident of Rajasthan, he is often distinguished from another IPS officer of the same name from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He continues to play a central role in Rajasthan’s senior police leadership and state-level law enforcement management.
Tamil Nadu Cadre:
Abhay Kumar Singh
Mr Singh, born on Jan 3, 1966, is a highly distinguished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, belonging to the 1992 batch (some records cite 1993). A native of Bihar, he holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree. He retired from service on January 31, 2026, after over 33 years of distinguished policing. Singh began his career as Assistant Superintendent of Police in Thoothukudi and went on to hold several key leadership roles, including Superintendent of Police, Madurai; Commissioner of Police, Tirunelveli; and Inspector General, South Zone. He served as Additional DGP and later Director General of Police, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), leading major anti-corruption investigations, including high-profile cases against former ministers. In December 2025, he was appointed interim DGP and Head of Police Force for Tamil Nadu. Known for integrity and reform-driven leadership, he retired with ceremonial honours in Chennai.
Uttar Pradesh Cadre:
Rajesh Kumar Singh
Mr Singh, born on Jan 2, 1966, is a 2011-batch IPS officer of the UP cadre. A native of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, he holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree and was initially recruited into the Provincial Police Service (PPS) on October 23, 1994, before his promotion to the IPS in 2011. He is currently serving as Additional Commissioner of Police (DIG rank) in the Varanasi Police Commissionerate since March 4, 2025, and was promoted to the DIG rank on January 1, 2025. Singh has earlier served as Superintendent of Police in districts including Etah, Fatehpur, and Mainpuri, and has also handled specialized responsibilities in units such as the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). Known for his tough stance against organized crime, he has been associated with numerous encounter operations. His service has been recognised with the President’s Police Medal (2019), President’s Service Medal (2025), and multiple DGP commendations.
Babita Sahu
Ms Sahu, born on January 15, 1966, in Jaunpur, UP, is a 2014-batch IPS officer of the UP cadre, promoted from the State Police Service. She holds a Master’s degree in Ancient History and is widely regarded for her grounded leadership style and administrative competence. Over her career, she has served in a range of operational and headquarters assignments, including SP/Commandant, PAC 27th Battalion, Sitapur; SP (Administration) at the DGP Headquarters, Lucknow; SP, Vidyut Nigam; and SP, Crime Branch. Earlier, she held field postings as Circle Officer and supervisory officer across districts such as Farrukhabad, Prayagraj, Fatehgarh, Bulandshahr, Varanasi, and Agra. Her service has been recognised with the Shaurya Swarn Padak (2023), Utkrisht Seva Padak (2020), and a State Government Silver Medal. She also underwent specialised police training in New Mexico in 2010 and is due to retire in January 2026.
Uttarakhand Cadre:
Safi Ahsan Rizvi
Mr Rizvi is a senior 1989-batch IPS officer of the UK cadre, originally from the Uttar Pradesh cadre prior to state bifurcation. His official home district is listed as New Delhi. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he holds an MBA in Systems and Finance and a B.A. (Honours) in Economics, and completed his IPS training at the SVP National Police Academy (1990–91). He currently serves as Executive Director of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and previously worked as Advisor (Mitigation) at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Rizvi spent a major part of his career in the Intelligence Bureau, rising to the rank of Special Director, and also served as Officer on Special Duty to Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in 2008. He was granted Apex Scale in September 2024. His decorations include the President’s Police Medal, Indian Police Medal, and Extraordinary Intelligence Services Medal.
NS Napalchyal
Mr Napalchyal is a 2005-batch IPS officer of the UK cadre. He hails from the Dharchula region of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, and belongs to the Rang (Bhotia) tribal community. In March 2025, he was appointed Director of Traffic, Uttarakhand Police. Earlier, he served as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Crime Investigation Department (CID), and was promoted to the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP) in January 2023. Over the course of his career, Napalchyal has held a range of district-level and specialised assignments, including postings in State Intelligence and district policing. While specific academic qualifications are not publicly detailed in civil lists, his long service record reflects extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence, and traffic administration within Uttarakhand Police. He is regarded as a senior operational and administrative officer with deep regional knowledge of the Himalayan state.
West Bengal Cadre:
Rajeev Kumar
Mr Kumar is a 1989-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, who retired as Director General of Police (DGP), West Bengal, on Jan 31, 2026. He hails from Chandausi, Uttar Pradesh, and comes from an academic and political family; his grandfather, Professor Ramsaran, was an MP known as “Moradabad’s Gandhi,” and his father, Professor Anand Kumar, was a college teacher. Kumar holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from the University of Roorkee (IIT Roorkee). Over his distinguished career, he served as Kolkata Police Commissioner, head of the Special Task Force (STF), Additional DG of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Principal Secretary of the Information Technology Department (2019–2023). He led critical operations including the capture of Maoist leader Chhatradhar Mahato and the Saradha chit-fund SIT investigation. His wife, Sanchita Kumar, is a former IRS officer and current State Information Commissioner of West Bengal.
Ranveer Kumar
Ranveer Kumar is a 1990-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, who retired on Jan 31, 2026. A native of Bihar, he holds a B.Sc. and an M.A. in Public Administration. Over his career, he held several key leadership positions in the West Bengal Police, including Director General of Fire Services, Additional Director General (ADG) of Administration, ADG Armed Police, ADG Prisons, and Inspector General (IG) of North Bengal. In 2021, the Calcutta High Court appointed him as one of three members of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe post-poll political violence. Known for his professional conduct and low-profile leadership, he contributed significantly to administrative and operational policing across the state. His retirement marked the end of a distinguished career spanning over three decades in law enforcement and public service.
Rajesh Kumar
Dr. Rajesh is a 1990-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, born on January 26, 1966, in Mukundgarh, Rajasthan. Highly qualified, he holds a Ph.D., M.Com., dual MBAs (Finance & HR), and professional credentials as FCA and FCMA. His distinguished career spans over three decades, with key postings including 40th Commissioner of Kolkata Police (2019, during the General Elections), Additional Director General of CID, Member-Secretary of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board, and OSD to the Union Minister of Culture. Currently, he serves as Principal Secretary in the Correctional Administration Department of West Bengal. Known for his administrative acumen and investigative expertise, he has also been recognized with the President’s Police Medal (2010) and West Bengal Chief Minister’s Police Medal (2017). He challenged his exclusion from the DGP panel in late 2025 and is scheduled to retire on January 31, 2026.
Jag Mohan
Mr Mohan is a 1991-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, who retired on January 31, 2026. He holds a B.Sc. and an M.A. in Public Administration. Over a distinguished career spanning decades, he held several senior leadership roles in the West Bengal Police, including Director General of Police (DGP), Director General of Fire & Emergency Services, and Additional Director General (ADG) of Law & Order, Civil Defence, and CID. He also served as Police Commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan and DIG of Railways (2007–2008). Appointed by the Election Commission in 2021, he oversaw law and order during state elections. Known for his administrative acumen and operational expertise, Jag Mohan contributed significantly to policing, civil defence, and emergency management in West Bengal. His native district is not widely publicized, but he served the state in multiple critical roles until his superannuation.
Debabrata Das
Mr Das is a 2004 RR-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, scheduled to retire in January 2026. A product of the West Bengal Police Service, he rose through field and administrative ranks before his IPS induction. He currently serves as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Railways, West Bengal, and previously led the Swami Vivekananda State Police Academy (SVSPA), overseeing training for Deputy Superintendents of Police. His earlier career includes key postings such as DIG (Armed Police) in Barrackpore, Deputy Commandant of Armed Police units, and Additional Superintendent of Police (Salt Lake). Das has extensive experience in railway policing, armed units, and police training programs. While his exact hometown and personal background are not publicly detailed, official records confirm his domicile as West Bengal. He holds a graduate degree and has undergone advanced leadership and national police management training.
Transition Phase for Bureaucracy and Police Leadership
The retirement of these senior IAS and IPS officers marks a significant leadership transition across states and departments. Vacancies arising at senior levels are expected to be filled through promotions and new postings in the coming weeks. Such periodic retirements are a routine but crucial part of the civil services cycle, reshaping administrative and policing leadership nationwide.
