Shimla: Senior IPS officer Shyam Bhagat Negi (IPS:1990:HP) is poised to be appointed as the next full-time Director General of Police (DGP) of Himachal Pradesh, following the approval of his repatriation by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). The clearance was granted on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, facilitating Negi’s return from his current role as Special Secretary (SR) in the Cabinet Secretariat to his parent cadre.
Race for Himachal Pradesh DGP Post Nears Conclusion
Negi’s name has been a frontrunner for the DGP position for several weeks, competing primarily with Ashok Tiwari (IPS:1993:HP), who is currently serving as the acting DGP of Himachal Pradesh.
Following the retirement of former DGP Dr. Atul Verma (IPS:1991:HP) on May 31, 2025, Tiwari was given additional charge of the top police post, alongside his role as Director General of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. Dr. Verma had been placed on forced leave just days before retirement amid controversy linked to the Chief Engineer Vimal Negi case.
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Seniority and Experience Favor Shyam Bhagat Negi
Shyam Bhagat Negi is the most senior IPS officer in the Himachal cadre and is due to retire on March 31, 2026. He is followed by:
- Anurag Garg (IPS:1993:HP), Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- Ashok Tiwari (IPS:1993:HP), currently acting DGP
- Rithwik Rudra (IPS:1993:HP), Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau
- Rakesh Aggarwal (IPS:1994:HP), Additional Director General in the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Except for Tiwari, all other senior officers are presently on central deputation.
Anticipated Appointment to End Weeks of Speculation
With the ACC’s approval of his repatriation, the formal appointment of Shyam Bhagat Negi as the Himachal Pradesh DGP is expected imminently. This development ends weeks of speculation over the state’s top police leadership.
His appointment is likely to bring stability and experienced leadership to the Himachal police force during a critical period.
