The Union Home Ministry has ordered the premature repatriation of senior IPS officer Shamsher Singh from the Border Security Force (BSF) to his parent Gujarat cadre, sparking intense speculation that he is a strong candidate for the state's next Director General of Police (DGP).
Sudden Transfer Order from the Centre
In an office memorandum issued on Friday, the ministry conveyed the immediate repatriation of Shamsher Singh, a 1991-batch Gujarat cadre officer. The order, signed by Sanjeev Kumar, Undersecretary to the Government of India, was sent to the Gujarat Chief Secretary and the state DGP. Singh was serving as an Additional Director General (ADG) in the BSF on central deputation at the time of the order.
Timing Fuels Speculation for Top Police Post
This development comes just a day after senior IPS officer K L N Rao was appointed as the in-charge DGP of Gujarat, following the retirement of the previous police chief. While Rao's appointment is interim, discussions were actively underway to select a permanent head for the state police force.
Against this backdrop, Singh's sudden and immediate repatriation has added significant momentum to the speculation about an impending change at the top. Senior officers returning from central deputation ahead of schedule are often considered for key assignments in their home state, officials noted.
A Profile of a Strong Contender
Shamsher Singh brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served in several crucial positions within Gujarat. His postings include serving as the Police Commissioner of Vadodara and as the chief of the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). During his tenure at the ACB, he was credited with strengthening enforcement and oversight mechanisms.
His recent stint with the BSF has also provided him with extensive experience in internal security and border management, a factor that often weighs heavily in such high-level appointments. While the state government has made no official announcement, sources indicate that seniority, administrative experience, and exposure to central forces make Singh's profile particularly strong.
However, officials have cautioned that the final decision rests with the state government in consultation with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Clarity on the appointment of the permanent Gujarat DGP is expected only in the coming days.
