Haryana Gets New DGP: Ajay Singhal Takes Charge, Promises Focus on Women’s Safety and Police Welfare

Chandigarh/Panchkula: IPS officer Ajay Singhal has assumed charge as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana. The official ceremony was held in Panchkula, where Singhal received a Guard of Honour. Soon after, he addressed his first press conference at the Haryana Police Headquarters in Sector 6.

Acknowledging Predecessor’s Strengths
Singhal, a 1992-batch IPS officer, candidly stated that he is “not as eloquent as OP Singh,” highlighting Singh’s strong public speaking skills during his tenure. Singhal added that he had trained alongside senior officers Alok Rai and OP Singh, and that several officers from his batch now hold DGP positions across India.

Key Priorities: Women’s Safety and Grievance Redressal
Singhal outlined his top priorities, stating that women’s safety would receive special focus. He also emphasized the importance of an effective grievance redressal mechanism for both citizens and police personnel.

Police Welfare Initiatives
During his press conference, Singhal announced new welfare measures for police personnel. Notably, he said that daughters of police employees would receive ₹5 lakh from the department on their marriage. He also vowed to ensure strict action against corruption within the force.

Background and Experience
Before taking charge as Haryana’s DGP, Singhal served as the Director General of Police for the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. Known as a “tough taskmaster,” he has earned a reputation for completing assignments within deadlines and for maintaining an unblemished record. Hailing from Rewari, Singhal has held various key positions across Haryana. He will serve as DGP until October 2028.

Context: Leadership Transition in Haryana Police
The appointment follows the retirement of OP Singh, whose candid remarks, including his viral statements on Thar and Bullet vehicles, had made headlines. Earlier, the sudden vacancy of ADGP-level officer IPS Y. Puran Kumar after his suicide had led to the interim appointment of OP Singh as Acting DGP.

Ajay Singhal’s appointment comes at a critical time, and he is expected to continue Haryana Police’s focus on transparency, accountability, and effective law enforcement.