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Khattar’s Trusted Reformer Emerges as Strong Contender

Chandigarh: As the Nayab Singh Saini government initiates the process of appointing Haryana’s next Director General of Police (DGP) from January 1, 2026, political and bureaucratic circles are abuzz with one key question — will Shatrujeet Kapur be retained or reinstated as the state’s police chief?

Despite being sent on leave in October following the controversial suicide note of late IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, Kapur continues to be viewed as one of the strongest contenders for the top police post, mainly due to his deep administrative credentials, reformist reputation, and his proximity to former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

A Trusted Khattar-Era Administrator

Shatrujeet Kapur is widely known as a Khattar loyalist and one of the most powerful bureaucrats of the previous BJP government in Haryana. Before taking over as DGP, Kapur had carved an exceptional reputation as the Chairman of Haryana Power Discoms, where he delivered what many officials describe as “one of the most ambitious reform runs in the sector”. Under Kapur’s leadership, Haryana’s power distribution system underwent Aggressive anti-theft drives, digital billing and collection reforms, smart metering, financial discipline in loss-making discoms, time-bound grievance redressal for consumers and Mahara Gaon, Jagmag Gaon- enhanced power supply to rural areas. These reforms transformed the culture of power utilities, bringing accountability and tighter administrative control, achievements that continue to be cited as his greatest strengths.

Big-Reform Image Works in Kapur’s Favour

Within the bureaucracy, Kapur is regarded as an “administrator first, police officer later” — a profile that fits well with the BJP government’s governance-driven approach. Senior officials point out that Kapur is known for taking politically difficult decisions without hesitation. He carries a reputation for being results-driven, tough on corruption, and uncompromising on discipline. His experience in managing large public systems, such as power distribution, gives him an edge in running a massive force like the Haryana Police. This blend of administrative authority and policing leadership is seen as his most significant plus point in the current DGP race.

The Controversy and the Calculated Silence

Kapur’s abrupt exit after the mention of his name in the suicide note of IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar had triggered intense political and media scrutiny. However, no direct criminal implication has been established against him so far, and the matter remains under investigation. Sources say Kapur has maintained a strategic silence, allowing the legal process to take its course — a move that many see as a calculated attempt to preserve institutional credibility. Interestingly, several within the BJP argue that sending him on leave was a damage-control move rather than a judgment on guilt, keeping the option of his return open.

11 Months of Service Still Left — A Key Advantage

Kapur, a 1991-batch IPS officer, still has about 11 months of service left, which fits squarely within the UPSC’s eligibility framework for DGP appointment. This places him in a unique sweet spot- Senior enough to meet the 30-year service rule, yet with sufficient residual tenure to ensure continuity and stability in policing policy. Sources in the Home Department say this balance could work strongly in his favour if the political leadership chooses experience over risk.

Why Retaining Kapur Makes Political Sense for the BJP

Within BJP circles, there is a growing view that Kapur understands the government’s governance priorities better than most officers. He has proven his ability to handle systemic reforms without populist shortcuts. His control over the police setup remains strong at the ground level. Some leaders privately admit that bringing Kapur back would send a message of confidence and continuity, especially at a time when Haryana is witnessing rising concerns over cybercrime, gang-related violence, organised crime networks, and electoral and law-and-order sensitivities ahead of the 2029 political cycle.

Final Decision Hinges on UPSC and Political Clearance

While the state government will soon forward a panel of 5–7 IPS officers to the UPSC, the ultimate decision will rest on two critical factors- UPSC’s clearance on integrity and service record, and the political comfort level of the Saini government and the central BJP leadership If Kapur clears the institutional filters without adverse remarks, his return as DGP cannot be ruled out at all.

The Power Reformer Who May Reclaim the Police Baton

From transforming Haryana’s power sector to commanding its police force, Shatrujeet Kapur’s career reflects a rare combination of bureaucratic muscle and reformist zeal. Whether he gets a second innings as Haryana’s DGP will now depend on how the political leadership weighs continuity against controversy. One thing, however, is clear in the race for Haryana’s next police chief: Shatrujeet Kapur remains very much in the game — and a formidable one at that.