A journey from spymaster to strategist

From covert missions in foreign lands to transforming Delhi Police with QR codes and digital radios, Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh has worn many hats. Now, the 1988-batch IPS officer takes on perhaps his most challenging role yet, as the new Commissioner of Delhi Police.

A blend of intelligence, innovation and street-smart policing, Singh steps into the role at a time when the Delhi Police face rising scrutiny over law enforcement, public trust and tech-driven transformation.

Currently Director General of Home Guards, Singh formally assumes the additional charge of the Delhi Police Commissioner on August 1.

His appointment marks a return to leadership from within the AGMUT cadre, following two external appointments.

Singh is no stranger to the Capital’s policing labyrinth. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he has held 22 positions and risen through the ranks - from Assistant Commissioner to the city’s top cop.

A science graduate from St Stephen’s College and an MBA in Human Resource Management, Singh joined the Indian Police Service in 1986. His trajectory has been both conventional and quietly extraordinary.

As Special Commissioner (Intelligence), Singh developed a web portal for police clearance certificates and introduced etiquette training for passport officers — humanising the force while digitising its workflow.

Earlier as Joint Commissioner (Crime), he oversaw high-profile investigations into the Ponty Chadha murder and the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal. He also launched the ‘Lost Report App’, now widely used to report lost documents digitally.

His eye for tech and public service came together during his tenure as Special CP (Technology & Project Implementation) where he rolled out a QR code-based feedback system for police station visitors and inked a collaboration with the IIT-Delhi to modernise policing tools.

Singh is just as seasoned in crowd control and national security. As Special CP (Law & Order North), he managed nearly 1,200 public events. As Special CP (Security), he supervised arrangements for President Barack Obama’s 2015 Republic Day visit and the Indo-Africa Summit that hosted 54 heads of state.

His earlier boots-on-ground days were equally intense. As ACP Karol Bagh, he led an armed encounter against wanted Sikh terrorist Kuldeep Singh, alias Bitta. Later, as DIG Puducherry, he laid the groundwork for coastal security post 26/11.

For over seven years, Singh served in RAW, India’s external intelligence agency, handling covert operations in the northeast and neighbouring countries, a rare distinction in any police career.

Singh’s service has been decorated with top honours, including the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2004), President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (2012) and a silver medal for e-Governance (2014).