NEW DELHI: In a move that left power corridors both surprised and intrigued, Anurag Kumar, an intelligence veteran and 1994-batch IPS officer, was appointed Delhi Police commissioner Friday, replacing Satish Golchha.Kumar, who was posted as special director in the Intelligence Bureau, served in Delhi Police till the rank of DCP and then joined the IB on deputation where he served for almost two decades.Officials said Golchha went about his usual schedule on Friday morning, holding a meeting with his deputies and attending a plantation drive, suggesting he was unaware of the impending reshuffle move.
Kumar fourth top cop in last one year
Known as a stickler for the rulebook, Kumar is admired for his sharp analytical mind and meticulous attention to detail.Shortly after taking charge, Kumar asked the senior officers to have zero tolerance for corruption in the force and enhance engagement with the public through community policing measures like “Jan Sunwai”.Golchha, who was to complete a year in the chair next month, was to retire in April 2027. He awaits his next posting and has been attached with the LG’s office for now.The process to remove Golchha and appoint the new commissioner was unusually quick. Kumar was repatriated to his parent AGMUT cadre early Friday and another order was issued hours later appointing him as the top cop.The first order read: “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for placing services of Anurag Kumar to his parent cadre for a period of three years, from the date of joining, in relaxation of the IPS Tenure Policy.”The second order said: “Anurag Kumar, IPS is hereby appointed as Commissioner of Police, Delhi with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders. Satish Golchha, IPS is directed to report to the LG for further posting, upon assumption of charge by the new incumbent…”Kumar is the fourth chief of police Delhi has seen in the last one year.In evening, senior officers of New Delhi range were summoned. DCP and joint CP of New Delhi district were given specific instructions regarding Sonam Wangchuk’s fast and were tasked with round-the-clock monitoring of the situation at Jantar Mantar.
