Know new Haryana DGP OP Singh's link to Sushant Singh Rajput

Senior IPS officer OP Singh, a 1992-batch officer of the Haryana cadre, has taken over as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana in an additional charge capacity.

The appointment comes after the state government sent DGP Shatrujeet Kapur on leave amid a political storm following the alleged suicide of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar.

Link to Sushant Singh Rajput

OP Singh is also known for his family connection to late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died in 2020. Singh is the actor’s brother-in-law. Sushant had been visiting his sister and brother-in-law in Panchkula since childhood. His acting journey actually began there, where he used to perform in theatre. During that time, Sushant lived with  them and also played cricket.

A distinguished career

Hailing from Jamui district in Bihar, OP Singh brings over three decades of policing experience. During his career, he has served as Commissioner of Police in Ambala–Panchkula and Faridabad and as Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Hisar and Rewari ranges.

He has also worked as a Special Advisor to former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, where he played a key role in modernising law enforcement and promoting community policing initiatives. Singh’s leadership has often been marked by his emphasis on technology-driven policing and public engagement.

Currently, in addition to holding the DGP’s post, Singh serves as the Director General of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, Managing Director of the Haryana Police Housing Corporation, and Director of the Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Madhuban.

Related news: Haryana DGP O P Singh conducts night patrol, instructs SPs and CPs to follow suit

Awards and recognition

Singh’s service has been widely recognised. He received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2008 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2017.

Author, podcaster and innovator

Beyond policing, O.P. Singh is also an author and podcaster. His latest book, “Crowd Engineering: From Control to the New Science of Collective Behaviour,” proposes that governments should view crowds as opportunities for civic engagement rather than disturbances to be dispersed.

His earlier Hindi book, “Jin Dhoondha Tin Paaiyan,” released by then Chief Minister Khattar, discusses issues of crime, social change, and the evolving role of the police in modern India.

To strengthen community relations, Singh launched a podcast series that provides citizens with an inside look at Haryana’s fight against drug abuse. He also conceptualized the ‘Participation, Inclusion, and Excellence (PIE)’ model of sports promotion, drawing thousands of young people to playgrounds under the ‘Play for India’ campaign.

His message to the force

After taking charge, DGP Singh urged Haryana Police officers to adopt “friction-free policing” and maintain a courteous, cooperative attitude towards the public.

“Step out of your offices and among the people,” he told officers, emphasising empathy, respect for women and youth engagement as key pillars of effective policing.