Centre repatriates IPS officer Shamsher Singh to Gujarat

Ahmedabad: The Centre on Thursday ordered the premature repatriation of senior IPS officer Shamsher Singh from the Border Security Force (BSF) to his parent Gujarat cadre, triggering intense speculation in administrative and police circles that he could be in contention for the post of the state's next director general of police (DGP).In an office memorandum issued on Friday, the Union home ministry said: "The approval of competent authority for premature repatriation of Shri Shamsher Singh, IPS (GJ:1991), additional director general, Border Security Force (BSF), to his parent cadre with immediate effect is hereby conveyed." The memorandum further stated: "Date of relieving of the officer may be intimated to this ministry."The order, signed by Sanjeev Kumar, undersecretary to the govt of India, was forwarded to the Gujarat chief secretary and the state DGP, among others. Singh, a 1991-batch Gujarat cadre officer, was serving as ADG in the BSF on central deputation.The development came a day after senior IPS officer K L N Rao was appointed in-charge DGP of Gujarat, following the retirement of the previous police chief. While Rao's appointment is interim, discussions were underway on who will be appointed the permanent head of the state police force.Against this backdrop, Singh's sudden and immediate repatriation added momentum to speculation about an impending change at the top. Senior officers returning from central deputation ahead of schedule are often considered for key assignments in their home state, officials said.Singh served in several important positions in Gujarat, including as Vadodara police commissioner and as chief of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). During his tenure at the ACB, he was credited with strengthening enforcement and oversight mechanisms. He also gained extensive experience in internal security and border management during his stint with the BSF.While the state govt did not make any official announcement regarding the appointment of a permanent DGP, seniority, administrative experience, and exposure to central forces are factors that often weigh in such decisions. Singh's profile placed him among the strong contenders, sources said.However, officials cautioned that the final decision rests with the state govt in consultation with the Union Public Service Commission, and clarity is expected only in the coming days.