The process of selecting the successor for the coveted role of Director General of Police (DGP) in Haryana witnessed an unexpected turn of events, leading to a one-day delay in the announcement. The retirement of the incumbent DGP, PK Agrawal (IPS:1988:HY), on August 15 marked the deadline for revealing the new appointee’s name. However, a last-minute contender, RC Mishra (IPS:1989:HY), injected a twist into the proceedings, resulting in a postponement of the official announcement to August 16.
RC Mishra, a seasoned IPS officer from the 1989 batch, emerged as a surprise entry into the race for the state’s top law enforcement position. Gossips circulating within the corridors of power suggested that the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) lobbied for Mishra, injecting an element of intrigue into the selection process. Despite the lobbying efforts, Mishra’s candidacy did not secure victory.
The Chief Minister’s preference for aligning the incoming DGP’s retirement with the conclusion of the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections clashed with Mishra’s scheduled retirement in June 2024. Recognizing this divergence, the Chief Minister engaged with the Delhi High Command to seek a resolution. After obtaining the necessary approval from Delhi, the stage was set for a final decision.
The unexpected entry of RC Mishra prompted prolonged deliberations at the Chief Minister’s residence, extending for over three hours on the day of the announcement. This last-minute inclusion led to the temporary delay in disclosing the new DGP’s name. Ultimately, on August 16, the name of Shatrujeet Kapoor (IPS:1990:HY) was formally announced as the new Director General of Police for Haryana.
The selection process, marked by unexpected twists and strategic considerations, culminated in the appointment of Shatrujeet Kapoor to lead the state’s law enforcement machinery. The one-day delay, brought about by the last-minute entry of RC Mishra into the race, added a layer of suspense to the unfolding narrative of administrative transitions in Haryana’s law enforcement landscape.
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