In a significant development, the Nitish Kumar led Bihar government has announced the appointment of Alok Raj, a senior 1989 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, as the new Director General of Police (DGP). This strategic move comes as the state gears up for the State Assembly elections scheduled for October-November 2025.
Mr Raj, who has been serving as the Director General of the Vigilance Investigation Bureau, will assume his new role immediately. His tenure as DGP is set to continue until December 31, 2025, aligning with the upcoming elections, thereby ensuring continuity in the state’s policing during a crucial period.
Born on December 15, 1965, and with approximately 35 years of policing experience across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Bengal, Mr. Raj’s extensive career includes significant achievements and commendations.
His appointment follows the transfer of the former DGP, Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, an 1990 batch IPS officer, who has been appointed as the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The official notification for Bhatti’s transfer was issued by the Central government on August 28, and Raj was given a formal farewell parade in Patna on August 30.
The decision to appoint Mr Raj comes amidst speculation about other senior IPS officers who were also considered for the position, including Vinay Kumar from the 1991 batch and Shobha Ahotkar from the 1990 batch. Raj’s selection is noteworthy as he is the most senior IPS officer currently in the state and will lead the Bihar Police through the state’s electoral process.
WHO IS ALOK RAJ
Originally from Muzaffarpur, Mr Raj is a gold medalist in MSc Geology from Patna University. He is the son-in-law of D.N. Sahay, a former IPS officer and the current Governor of Chhattisgarh.
Known for his unique personal interests, Raj is a traditional folk singer who often performs devotional songs. He is also well-regarded for his exceptional time management skills.
His career began as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Patna City, where he was decorated with the Police Gallantry Medal for neutralizing four notorious criminals in a police encounter. He has also served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Ranchi, Gumla, West Singhbhum, Deoghar, Hazaribagh, Sitamarhi, and Begusarai districts in undivided Bihar.
From 2004 to 2011, Raj worked with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where he earned the CRPF DG’s Commendation Disc four times in seven years. Notably, as CRPF Inspector General during the violent protests against the Tata Nano plant in Nandigram, Bengal, Raj played a pivotal role in restoring peace and order, earning national acclaim for his efforts.
Raj’s accolades include three President’s medals: the Police Valour Medal in 1994, the Commendable Service Medal in 2008, and the Distinguished Service Medal in 2016.
VIRAL SONG
Mr Raj gained attention last year when he performed a song dedicated to Lord Shiva during the month of Saavan. The song, “Yeh Bhola Sabse Bada Hai…,” went viral and was widely appreciated and shared on social media.
In an interview following the viral success, he mentioned that he had a deep passion for film songs during his school and college years. However, after he became an IPS officer on August 20, 1989, he put aside his musical interests, acknowledging that the duties and responsibilities of a police officer are distinct from his past hobbies.
His appointment is seen as a strategic move by the Bihar government to ensure effective law enforcement and stability in the lead-up to the crucial state elections.
