Raipur/New Delhi: In a significant development in India’s internal security framework, Dr Santosh Kumar Singh, a highly decorated Indian Police Service officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, has formally assumed charge as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) South Zone.
Dr Singh’s posting order to the CISF was issued on March 16, 2026. He has now taken over the high-profile assignment, which places him in charge of security operations for strategically important industrial and infrastructure installations across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and northern parts of Karnataka.
His command covers major public sector undertakings, mines, factories and other critical assets that are central to India’s industrial and economic strength.
From Anti-Naxal Operations to National Industrial Security
A 2011-batch IPS officer, Dr Santosh Kumar Singh has earned a distinguished reputation for his leadership in anti-Naxal operations, community policing innovations and technology-driven law enforcement.
He joined the Indian Police Service on August 29, 2011, through the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination.
His early career included service as City Superintendent of Police in Durg and counter-insurgency assignments in the Maoist-affected district of Sukma.
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Leadership Across Key Districts of Chhattisgarh
Over the years, Dr Singh has served as Superintendent of Police or Senior Superintendent of Police in several major districts, including:
- Raipur
- Korba
- Rajnandgaon
- Bilaspur
- Raigarh
- Mahasamund
- Narayanpur
- Kondagaon
He also served at the Police Headquarters in Nava Raipur as DIG in charge of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB).
Notable Initiatives and Achievements
Nijaat Anti-Drug Campaign
Dr Singh launched the widely acclaimed “Nijaat” campaign, combining anti-drug enforcement with mass awareness and de-addiction initiatives.
Child-Friendly Policing
In Mahasamund, he collaborated with UNICEF to establish child-friendly policing mechanisms and led a self-defence initiative that trained more than 100,000 children.
COVID-19 Outreach
As SP of Raigarh during the COVID-19 pandemic, his team distributed 1.24 million face masks in a single day.
Prestigious Awards and Recognition
Dr Santosh Kumar Singh has received several distinguished honors:
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 40 Under 40 Award
- Champions of Change Award
- Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Smart Policing Award
- President’s Medal for Distinguished Service
Scholar and Author
In addition to his policing career, Dr Singh is an accomplished academic. He holds M.A., M.Phil. and doctoral degrees and has authored a research book on United Nations peacebuilding and institutional reform.
Originally from Ghazipur, he is known for combining scholarly insight with extensive field experience.
Strategic Role in CISF South Zone
As DIG, CISF South Zone, Dr Singh will oversee the security of installations critical to India’s industrial economy and national infrastructure.
The position demands operational leadership, inter-state coordination and administrative precision to ensure uninterrupted protection of essential facilities.
His assumption of charge is expected to further strengthen CISF’s role in safeguarding some of the country’s most vital industrial assets.
