Anurag Kumar is the new Delhi Police Commissioner: Who is he?

Representative image | Photo credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

IPS Anurag Kumar has been appointed as the new Delhi Police Commissioner, replacing Satish Golcha in the top post of the capital’s police force.

According to an order issued by the Union Home Ministry on June 17, 2026, a 1994-batch officer will take charge as the new chief of the police force.

“With the approval of the competent authority, Anurag Kumar, IPS, is hereby appointed as the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders,” the Home Ministry said in an official order.

Who is Anurag Kumar? Career timeline

1994: Mr. Kumar joined the Indian Police Service as a direct recruit after clearing the UPSC examination. In the same year, he was assigned to the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories Joint Cadre, abbreviated as AGMUT Joint Cadre.

1994-2010: Mr. Kumar served at the Delhi location and rose to the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

2010: Mr. Kumar was awarded the Police Meritorious Service Medal (PMMS) in recognition of his work under AGMUT.

2014: Mr. Kumar was appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet to formally hold administrative ranks up to Inspector General (IG) and equivalent levels.

2016: Mr. Kumar was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) for his contribution to domestic security operations.

2018: Mr. Kumar worked as part of the tenure of the Central Delegation after being relieved of duties in the Union Territory

2025: Mr. Kumar was appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) to hold the command of a Director General (DG) or DG equivalents at the Centre.

2026: He was formally appointed as the Delhi Police Commissioner.

What’s next for Satish Golcha?

Satish Golcha has been directed to report to Delhi Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu for the next appointment. His exit from the post of Delhi Police Commissioner comes ahead of schedule. Since August 2025, he has served as chief.

Published – 17 Jul 2026 14:53 IST