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A Session of Q&E with Top Cop,OP Singh,DGP&Head of the Haryana Narcotics Control Bureau
A 1992-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, DGP O P Singh heads the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), leads the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and serves as Managing Director of Haryana Police Housing Corporation. Known as the “Marathon Man of Haryana”, he has pioneered initiatives such as “Play for India”, “Raahgiri”, and the “SPAT” scholarship program to foster youth engagement, community trust, and strengthening public service outreach.
A thoughtful blend of an expertise and integrity, OP Singh, enters his 33rd year in the Indian Police Service, he reflects on a transformative journey through law enforcement, public engagement, and institutional reform. In a wide-ranging interview, with The News Dose, he speaks about addressing modern policing challenges with a people-first approach, leveraging sports and technology, and his continuing passion for wide and in-depth writing and nation-building.
Q: Your upbringing in a region marred by intra- and inter-caste violence shaped your outlook as a self-described “professional of the conflict resolution industry.” How has this influenced your approach to modern policing and governance?
OP Singh: Growing up in an environment riddled with violence taught me the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict. Often, the root lies in the actions of what I call the “merchants of violence”—money lenders, power-hungry elements, and their foot soldiers who exploit social divisions to sustain their control.
This lens shaped my approach as a field officer. One intervention we implemented was “man-to-man marking,” a method that identifies repeat offenders and assigns dedicated teams to monitor and engage them. At the same time, we launched community initiatives—sports programs, youth clubs, and educational outreach—to pull young people away from destructive paths.
Grievance redressal was another area where we aimed to leave a tangible mark. Officers were instructed to act promptly—whether it was registering a criminal case, helping with civil issues, or informing complainants about the implications of filing false cases. And when they didn’t, I made it a practice to summon them, along with the complainant, to personally ensure justice was not delayed. This model created a culture of accountability and increased public trust.
Q: Financial crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. During your tenure at the Union Ministry of Finance, you contributed to drafting the rules for the PMLA, 2005, and investigated one of the first cases under it. How did that shape your perspective?
A: Working on the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2005 was eye-opening. I was involved in drafting its rules and had the chance to witness how financial crime intersects with transnational networks, terrorism, and narcotics.
One of the first cases I investigated involved a Canadian drug trafficker who was laundering funds through India. The case demanded coordination with international agencies, financial institutions, and forensic auditors. It showed me how porous financial systems can be if not tightly regulated.
More importantly, it revealed that financial crime isn’t standalone—it’s deeply embedded in broader criminal ecosystems. I’ve since championed the integration of financial intelligence into mainstream policing. It’s essential for effective modern law enforcement.
Q: As a police officer with multiple field postings, how did you balance the demands of public duty with personal life and parenting?
A: It’s never easy. The police service demands time, focus, and often puts you in emotionally and physically draining situations. But I was lucky to have a supportive family that understood the mission I was part of.
Parenting, I believe, is more about quality than quantity. I tried to be present—emotionally and intellectually—even during the busiest of times. I focused on instilling discipline, empathy, and resilience in my children, and most of all, I led by example. My family saw firsthand the values I stood for, and their support was instrumental in helping me maintain balance.
Q: Policing is inherently intense. How do you maintain your literary mindset amid such a demanding career?
A: Writing has always been a refuge—a way to decompress, reflect, and make sense of complex experiences. Literature is both an escape and a lens through which I interpret life and society.
Even during tight schedules, I’ve made it a habit to read widely and jot down my thoughts. It could be a poem, a personal essay, or even notes from a public engagement. Writing is therapeutic—it’s my way of staying grounded. It helps sharpen perspective and gives emotional clarity, which is essential in such a high-pressure profession.
Q: Your tenure as Director of Sports, Haryana, is considered path breaking. Tell us about ‘Play for India’ and the SPAT scholarship initiative.
A: Sports can transform individuals and societies. Under Play for India, we aimed to empower athletes by creating better infrastructure, offering financial support, and providing long-term career incentives. We ensured Scheduled Caste athletes received stipends, and medalists were promised government jobs. The idea was to democratize excellence.
The ‘SPAT’—Sports and Physical Aptitude Test—program was special. It targeted children aged 8–19 across Haryana. Millions participated. It wasn’t just about identifying talent; it was about creating a fitness culture. SPAT helped institutionalize the idea that physical fitness and sporting ambition should be nurtured from a young age.
Q: Community engagement has been a constant theme in your work. How did initiatives like marathons and Raahgiri reshape police-public interaction?
A:Public trust is the bedrock of effective policing. After the Jat reservation agitation, there was visible social fragmentation. To rebuild harmony, we initiated community marathons that brought people together around common causes—be it anti-drug campaigns, road safety, or environmental awareness.
Raahgiri took that idea further by reclaiming public spaces for art, culture, and fitness. It was a soft power approach to policing. Officials and citizens mingled informally, shared space, and built mutual respect. It also gave a platform to local artists and performers to be seen and celebrated. The collective spirit these initiatives generated helped bridge the trust gap between the force and the people.
Q: Technology now underpins modern law enforcement. How did you integrate it into your approach to crime control and public safety?
A:Technology is no longer optional—it’s integral. At Haryana Cyber, we collaborated with banks to expedite blocking of defrauded funds through the cybercrime helpline. We also created AI-powered awareness videos using real-world case data to educate the public on how scams operate.
While heading the State Crime Records Bureau, I revived a dormant crime data system. That enabled real-time monitoring of crime trends, hotspots, and policing response. It allowed us to shift from reactive to predictive policing.
Technology, when combined with human intelligence and empathy, can transform outcomes. That’s the hybrid model we need to champion.
Q: Looking forward, what does the next chapter in your life look like?
OP Singh:
I want to contribute meaningfully to both English and Hindi literature—capturing the nuances of public life, conflict, and governance through storytelling. I also plan to design a practical toolkit for government officials to enhance public service delivery.
Most importantly, I hope to empower young minds to become thoughtful citizens. The future will be shaped not by mere policies, but by people who feel deeply, think critically, and act ethically.
–This interview was conducted by Harish Manav, Editor-in-Chief, The News Dose,
A seasoned journalist with over three decades of experience, Manav has worked with leading Indian publications including The Tribune Trust, Dainik Bhaskar, and Outlook. His reportage spans public policy, politics,governance,economy,corporate,agriculture and grassroots movements, making him a trusted voice in contemporary journalism.
