Following the retirement of 1989 batch IPS officer Sanjay Baniwal on Tuesday, Mr. Satish Golcha, a 1992-batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre, stepped into the role of director general (prisons). Mr. Golcha, recognized for his unwavering integrity and stringent approach, has the reputation of being a dedicated enforcer of the law.

Prior to the latest appointment, he held the position of DGP in Arunachal Pradesh and has accumulated diverse experiences in various roles within the Delhi Police, spanning from DCP to joint commissioner and special CP Intelligence.

Mr. Golcha, previously overseeing law and order within the Delhi Police, had been leading the intelligence division before assuming his new role. With high-profile political figures incarcerated, prior mishaps implicating officials up to the DG level, and ongoing controversies, the government proceeded cautiously in selecting the new DG Prisons.

While tackling the challenges ahead, Mr. Golcha faces a formidable task as Tihar has been grappling with unrest. Issues such as gang activity, illicit mobile usage by inmates, and other unlawful conduct have strained the prison administration, exacerbated by instances of violence. The year 2023 bore witness to two headline-grabbing killings behind bars: gangster Prince Teotia’s demise during a jail altercation in April followed by Sunil Tajpuria’s brazen slaying captured on CCTV in May.

Recent clashes between inmate factions have also resulted in numerous injuries. With the electoral code of conduct in effect, Mr. Golcha’s appointment required authorization from the Election Commission, and Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena bestowed him with the additional responsibility.

An official statement from the Home department, issued Wednesday, confirmed Mr. Golcha’s interim appointment as DG (prisons) pending further directives from the ECI. Meanwhile, Special CP Sagarpreet Hooda assumed Mr. Golcha’s former role in the intelligence unit.