In an unusual move, the Delhi government’s Home Department has issued a formal order confirming that Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora (IPS:1988:TN) will demit office on July 31, the date of his scheduled superannuation. The early announcement, made through an official order dated June 9—nearly 50 days in advance—has effectively quashed speculation about any potential extension of service.
This is the first time in recent memory that such a pre-retirement notice has been issued so well ahead of time for a Delhi Police Commissioner, prompting considerable discussion within bureaucratic and policing circles. Reports suggest that Arora had sought an extension of service from the Ministry of Home Affairs, but his request was turned down by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena following advice from Ministry.
Arora assumed charge as the Commissioner of Delhi Police in August 2022, succeeding Rakesh Asthana (IPS:1984:GJ), who also came from outside the AGMUT cadre.
With Arora’s departure now imminent, the focus has shifted to who will be chosen to lead the national capital’s police force next. Among the senior officers in the fray are Virender Singh (IPS:1991:AGMUT), currently Special Commissioner of Police, Licensing & Legal Division; Satish Golcha (IPS:1992:AGMUT), Director General of Prisons; and Praveen Ranjan (IPS:1993:AGMUT), presently serving as Special Director General, CISF.
Notably, both Arora and his predecessor Asthana hailed from outside the AGMUT cadre, sparking debate over whether the tradition of selecting Delhi’s top cop from within the cadre will be restored or whether the Centre will once again opt for an external candidate.
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