New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed 1994-batch AGMUT-cadre IPS officer Anurag Kumar as the new Commissioner of Delhi Police, placing one of India’s most experienced intelligence and policing officers at the helm of the country’s largest metropolitan police force.
His appointment comes a day after the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his repatriation from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to his parent AGMUT cadre in relaxation of the IPS tenure policy.
Mr Kumar succeeds Satish Golcha (IPS:1992:AGMUT), who has been directed to report to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi for further posting after the new commissioner assumes charge.
Official Appointment by MHA
According to the order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Anurag Kumar has been appointed as Commissioner of Police, Delhi, with effect from the date he assumes charge and until further orders.
The appointment follows the ACC’s approval on July 16, 2026, for transferring his services from the Intelligence Bureau back to the AGMUT cadre for a period of three years.
Who Is IPS Anurag Kumar?
Mr Kumar is a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre.
With nearly 32 years of service, he is regarded as one of India’s most experienced officers in intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, internal security and strategic policing.
Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Kumar officially joined the IPS on September 4, 1994, after clearing the Civil Services Examination.
Educational Background
Before joining the civil services, he completed a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree.
His technical background has complemented a policing career increasingly shaped by intelligence operations, technology-driven security and strategic planning.
Career in Delhi Police
Mr Kumar began his policing career in the national capital, serving in several important district assignments.
During his tenure in Delhi Police, he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in multiple districts, where he handled:
- Law and order management
- Crime prevention
- Urban policing
- Public security operations
These assignments gave him extensive operational experience in one of the country’s most complex policing environments.
Two Decades in the Intelligence Bureau
The defining phase of Mr Kumar’s career came during his long tenure in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), where he spent nearly 20 years handling some of India’s most sensitive national security assignments.
He steadily rose through the ranks before becoming Special Director, Intelligence Bureau, one of the agency’s top leadership positions.
During his stint in the IB, he worked on:
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Internal security strategy
- Threat assessment
- Counter-espionage
- VIP security
- Intelligence coordination
His experience in strategic and high-level security matters has earned him a reputation as a key architect of several sensitive intelligence operations.
Promotion to DGP Rank
While serving on Central deputation, IPS Kumar received a proforma promotion to the Director General of Police (DGP) grade (Pay Level-16) in February 2025, one of the highest ranks in the IPS hierarchy.
National Honours
Throughout his distinguished career, Anurag Kumar has received two of the country’s highest police honours:
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2010)
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2016)
These awards recognise his exceptional contributions to policing and national security.
Now Heads Delhi Police
As Commissioner of Police, Delhi, Mr Kumar will lead one of India’s largest police organisations, responsible for:
- Maintaining law and order across the national capital.
- Crime prevention and investigation.
- Traffic management.
- Counter-terror preparedness.
- Security of Parliament, the Supreme Court, diplomatic missions and other vital government institutions.
- Protection of VVIPs and major national events.
His appointment comes at a crucial time when Delhi Police continues to shoulder significant responsibilities related to internal security, public safety and the protection of key national institutions.
Replacing Satish Golcha
IPS Kumar succeeds Satish Golcha (IPS:1992:AGMUT), who took over as Delhi Police Commissioner on August 22, 2025, following the tenure of SBK Singh.
Although Golcha was due to retire in April 2027, the Ministry of Home Affairs has now directed him to report to the Lieutenant Governor for his next assignment after handing over charge.
With decades of experience spanning district policing and intelligence leadership, Anurag Kumar now assumes command of the Delhi Police at a time when the force faces evolving challenges in urban policing, cybercrime, counter-terrorism and public security.
