The suddenness with which senior IPS officer Shamsher Singh (IPS:1991:GJ) was prematurely repatriated to his parent Gujarat cadre has fueled intense speculation that he could be in contention for the post of the state’s next Director General of Police (DGP). Singh’s repatriation was ordered by the central government with immediate effect on Thursday. He was serving as Additional Director General (ADG) of the BSF on central deputation.
The office order, signed on Friday, has been forwarded to the Gujarat Chief Secretary and the state DGP, among others.
Singh’s sudden repatriation has come a day after senior IPS officer K L N Rao (IPS:1992:GJ) was appointed in-charge DGP of Gujarat, following the retirement of the previous police chief Vikas Sahay (IPS:1989:GJ). As Rao’s appointment is interim, it triggered discussions on who will be appointed the regular head of the state police.
The speculation is natural, as when senior officers return from central deputation ahead of schedule, it is interpreted as having been done for key assignments in their home state.
Besides gaining extensive experience in internal security and border management during his stint with the BSF, Singh has vast experience serving in several important positions in Gujarat, including as Vadodara police commissioner and as chief of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
While no official announcement regarding the appointment of a permanent DGP has been made by the state government, an officer’s seniority, administrative experience, and exposure to central forces are often weighed while making such decisions, and Singh’s profile makes him a strong contender for the DGP post.
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