Satish Golcha appointed Delhi Police Commissioner day after attack on CM Rekha Gupta

Senior IPS officer Satish Golcha has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Delhi, with immediate effect. The Home Ministry issued an official order on August 21, stating that Golcha, 1992-batch AGMUT cadre officer and current Director General (Prisons), Delhi, will hold the post until further orders. He replaces Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh, who had been holding additional charge of Delhi Police Commissioner since July 31 following the retirement of Sanjay Arora. Singh will continue to serve as Director General of Home Guards.

Golcha’s appointment comes a day after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was assaulted at her Civil Lines residence during a weekly public hearing. The attacker, 41-year-old Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakriya from Rajkot, Gujarat, entered posing as a petitioner, slapped the CM, and grabbed her by the hair. He was overpowered by security personnel and others present at the venue. An FIR under sections related to attempt to murder has been registered against him.

Satish Golcha has previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Joint Commissioner, and Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) in Delhi. He also served as Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) during the northeast Delhi riots in 2020 and as Director General of Police in Arunachal Pradesh from February 2022 to June 2023. In May 2024, he was appointed as Director General of Tihar Jail by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

The Home Ministry noted that Golcha’s experience spans intelligence, law and order, and senior operational leadership roles. Sources said the appointment follows a recent increase in gun violence and crime in Delhi over the last 20 days, as well as security concerns highlighted by the attack on the Chief Minister. Within the force, he is regarded as a strategic and tough officer.

Following the assault, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s security cover was upgraded to 'Z' category. She described the attack as a “cowardly attempt” and stated, “Such attacks can never break my spirit or my resolve to serve the people. Now, I will be among you with even more energy and dedication than before.” Investigations are ongoing into the attacker’s motive, with police noting he has five previous criminal cases in Gujarat.