Haryana top cop wants to unmask gangsters’ life in jail: No glamour in crime

Singh took charge on October 14, after then DGP Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor was sent on leave following the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar. Since then, Singh has launched an all-out offensive against Haryana’s gangs, dismantling their aura online while simultaneously offering a path back  for those willing to surrender and reform.

On November 5, the police rolled out Operation Trackdown, a 16-day statewide crackdown to hunt fugitives linked to recent shootings; 32 arrests were made on first day. Singh has ordered strict tracking of absconders, reopening of bail cases, seizure of crime-linked property, and personal accountability for SHOs and DSPs. Each must nab their “worst five”, while district and STF units chase their “worst 10” and “worst 20”. The objective: no repeat offences, no missed arrests, no excuses.

The DGP’s reference to the toilet-cleaning task assigned to notorious gangster Daljeet Sihag alias Sisai was triggered by a social media post by the gangster on Haryana Day, showing him in spotless white clothes with folded hands, creating an impression of ease and influence. In reality, he is lodged in Jhajjar jail, where he is assigned toilet-cleaning duty.

Police investigations found that Sihag, who faces over 55 cases, had hired a 27-year-old Jind resident for `5,000 per month to manage his social media and shoot videos during court appearances. The handler has been arrested. Notices have now gone to Meta, X and Instagram seeking details of accounts promoting “gang culture”.

Yet Singh is keen to emphasise his strategy is not only coercive. “Whoever wants to return to the lawful path, give them a route back. But those who threaten, harm or extort, give a befitting response. In a republic, only the rule of law will prevail,” he told The Indian Express.

One of the most visible police chiefs Haryana has had in recent years, Singh is known for sending daily motivational notes to the force, conducting surprise night patrols and inspecting police stations unannounced.

“Our message is simple,” Singh told The Indian Express. “Crime will not be glamorised in Haryana. Criminals will not get PR agencies. And those who try to profit from fear will be held accountable.”