Govt seeks extension for DGP Sulkhan Singh

LUCKNOW: The state government has decided to give six months’ extension to director general of police (DGP) Sulkhan Singh. His retirement is due on September 30. A senior government official said a letter seeking service extension had been sent to the central government for approval.

LUCKNOW: The state government has decided to give six months’ extension to director general of police (DGP) Sulkhan Singh.

His retirement is due on September 30. A senior government official said a letter seeking service extension had been sent to the central government for approval.

A 1980-batch IPS officer, Singh was appointed DGP on April 21. The state government preferred seniority and performance criteria in his selection.

Singh was under pressure immediately after taking charge due to the spate of crimes across the state, particularly loot and murder of jewellers in Mathura, Sitapur, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Agra. By reshuffling incompetent policemen and appointing upright officers, Singh turned the tables on criminals.

IPS officers of 1982-1987 batches, who have been promoted to DG rank, were engaged in hectic lobbying to grab the coveted post but the government decided to give extension to Singh.

The State Election Commission’s decision to hold urban local bodies’ election in November also worked in Singh’s favour as the government was averse to appointing a new officer at the crucial juncture.

Former DGP Prakash Singh had also called for a two-year term for the DGP.