Tihar Jail Chief Post Vacant for Two Days; Speculation Rises on Successor

Tihar Jail has been without a chief for the past two days following the retirement of Director General S.B.K. Singh on January 31. The question now on everyone’s mind is: who will be the next DG? Speculation has been rife for the past week, and discussions among senior officials suggest several potential candidates from Delhi Police are in contention.

Typically, the government issues the notification for the Tihar DG before the incumbent retires. However, this time, no official announcement has been made even two days after Singh’s retirement, leaving the jail administration eagerly awaiting directions.

Among the frontrunners is IPS Ravindra Singh Yadav (1995 batch), whose retirement is due in March 2028. He is considered the leading candidate for the DG position. Another name under discussion is Robin Hebru (1993 batch), retiring in July 2028. Other officers in the running include Rajesh Khurana (1994 batch, retiring September 2029), Neeraj Thakur (1994 batch, retiring June 2027), Garima Bhatnagar (1994 batch, currently heading EOW, retiring April 2027), and Anand Mohan, whose retirement is in 2030.

Sources indicate that the delay in finalizing the appointment is due to major events over the past weeks, including Republic Day on January 26, the Beating Retreat ceremony, and the presentation of the Union Budget. The government is expected to announce the new DG around February 5.

Until then, Tihar Jail continues to operate without a permanent head, with the administration closely monitoring developments.