New Delhi: In a swift leadership change, Mr Satish Golcha, a 1992-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Delhi, replacing Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh, a 1988-batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre, who was holding the post in an additional capacity.
The change in Delhi Police’s top leadership comes just a day after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was attacked at her Civil Lines residence during a public grievance session.
An official notification issued on Thursday confirmed Golcha’s appointment, stating –
“With the approval of the Competent Authority, Shri Satish Golcha, IPS (AGMUT: 1992), currently serving as Director General (Prisons), Delhi, is appointed as the Commissioner of Police, Delhi.”
IPS Golcha will assume charge with immediate effect and continue until further orders.
Who is Satish Golcha?
With over 30 years of experience in the IPS, Mr Golcha is currently serving as the Director General of Prisons, Delhi. Prior to the latest appointment, he held the position of DGP in Arunachal Pradesh from February 2022 to June 2023, and has accumulated diverse experiences in various roles within the Delhi Police, spanning from DCP to joint commissioner and special CP Intelligence.
With a long and decorated career in law enforcement, IPS Golcha has held several key positions in the Delhi Police, including:
- Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence)
- Joint Commissioner of Police
- Deputy Commissioner of Police
IPS Golcha, previously overseeing law and order within the Delhi Police, had been leading the intelligence division before assuming his new role. He served as the Special CP (Law & Order) during the northeast Delhi riots and has held the position of Director General of Police in Arunachal Pradesh. Within the police force, he is known for being a tough and strategic leader.
In May 2024, he was appointed as the chief of Tihar Jail by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, following a recommendation from the Police Establishment Board.
Read Also: Who is Senior IPS Satish Golcha, Made Interim DG Prisons Amid Tihar’s Rising Challenges?
He is known for his strategic acumen and experience in handling sensitive intelligence and security matters, making him a strong choice to restore control during this turbulent phase in the capital’s law enforcement landscape.
Outgoing Commissioner to Continue as DG (Home Guards)
IPS Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh, who had taken over as interim Police Commissioner on July 31 after the retirement of Sanjay Arora, will continue to serve as the Director General (Home Guards). Singh held additional charge of Delhi Police for just over three weeks before Thursday’s appointment.
Rekha Gupta Assault Sparks Urgency
The high-level reshuffle comes amid rising concerns over escalating gun violence and crime in the national capital in recent weeks. According to government sources, a string of criminal incidents and a high-profile security lapse involving the Chief Minister pushed the Centre to act swiftly.
On Wednesday, CM Rekha Gupta was physically assaulted by a man during her weekly Jan Sunwai at her official residence. The attacker, identified as Rajesh Bhai Khimji Bhai Sakariya, 41, from Rajkot, Gujarat, posed as a petitioner before slapping and grabbing the Chief Minister by the hair. He was overpowered by security officials and arrested immediately.
The shocking incident raised serious questions about VIP security management, especially within government premises. Ms Gupta later issued a defiant statement-
“Such attacks can never break my spirit or my resolve to serve the people. Now, I will be among you with even more energy and dedication than before.”
