Satish Golcha Appointed Delhi Police Chief After Shocking Attack on CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, August 21, 2025 – In a swift and decisive move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed Satish Golcha as the new Commissioner of Delhi Police, following the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The incident has raised serious security concerns, prompting the MHA to bring in a senior officer with a track record of handling critical law enforcement challenges. Golcha, who takes charge immediately, replaces Shashi Bhushan Kumar Singh, who had been holding the position in an additional capacity.

The attack on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, which took place on August 20, 2025, during a public grievance session, shocked the city. An assailant, identified as Rajeshbhai Khimjibhai Sakriya, a 41-year-old auto driver from Gujarat, managed to enter the venue pretending to be a complainant. He then physically assaulted the CM, causing widespread panic. Gupta was rushed to the hospital, and authorities launched an immediate investigation. The incident sparked a wave of public outrage and intensified calls for better protection for public officials.

The Career of Satish Golcha

Satish Golcha, a 1992-batch officer of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, brings extensive experience to his new role. He has served in several key positions within the Delhi Police, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Joint Commissioner, and Special Commissioner. His leadership during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, where he managed law enforcement operations, earned him recognition for his skillful handling of sensitive situations.

Golcha’s appointment is seen as a crucial step in restoring public trust in the Delhi Police after the unsettling attack on the CM. His professional background, which includes roles in intelligence, crisis management, and overseeing security operations, positions him well to address the security lapses revealed by the attack.

Before his appointment as Commissioner, Golcha was serving as the Director General (Prisons) in Delhi, a role he assumed in May 2024. During his tenure, he tackled critical issues such as gang activities, inmate violence, and prison overcrowding. His ability to deal with complex problems in the law enforcement sector is expected to be instrumental in his new role as Delhi’s police chief.

Golcha also served as the Director General of Police in Arunachal Pradesh, further enhancing his leadership credentials. His time in Arunachal Pradesh allowed him to manage law enforcement in a state with unique challenges, giving him a broader perspective on policing and public safety. His multi-faceted career provides him with a wealth of experience to lead Delhi’s police force through these critical times.

The Attack on Rekha Gupta

The assault on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has put a spotlight on the security arrangements for high-profile public officials in the capital. Sakriya, the attacker, was reportedly well-prepared for the assault, suggesting that there were serious lapses in the CM’s security protocol. Delhi Police’s handling of the situation and the immediate response by Gupta’s security team were crucial in preventing further harm. However, the breach in security has led to public outcry and raised pressing questions about the effectiveness of the measures in place to protect top officials.

The Ministry of Home Affairs acted quickly following the attack, issuing an official order to appoint Satish Golcha as the new Commissioner. The order, approved by the Competent Authority, stated that Golcha would assume the role with immediate effect. He has been tasked with restoring confidence in the police force and addressing the security issues that have emerged after the assault on Gupta.

The attack, which occurred during a routine grievance session, has shaken the political landscape of Delhi. The assailant reportedly gained access to the venue by posing as a complainant, highlighting potential flaws in the security screening process. The fact that an individual was able to carry out such an attack in front of the Chief Minister raises serious concerns about the preparedness of security agencies to protect public officials.

After the incident, there have been growing calls for a review of security protocols, not only for the Chief Minister but for all public officials who face similar risks. The attack has also underscored the need for a more robust system to assess threats and implement preventive measures in advance.

A Strong Leadership Record

Golcha’s rise through the ranks of the Delhi Police has been marked by his leadership during times of crisis. He served as Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) during the northeast Delhi riots in 2020, where his quick thinking and decision-making were credited with preventing further escalation. His management of sensitive situations and expertise in law enforcement operations will be vital in navigating the challenges that lie ahead for the Delhi Police.

In addition to his service in Delhi, Golcha has also held significant positions in other parts of India. He was the Director General of Police in Arunachal Pradesh, where he gained firsthand experience in managing law enforcement in a state with diverse challenges. His multi-faceted career provides him with a unique perspective on policing and public safety.

Golcha has consistently demonstrated his ability to handle high-stakes situations. Whether overseeing the Delhi Police’s intelligence operations or managing law enforcement during large-scale disturbances, his leadership has been characterized by an emphasis on professionalism, effective communication, and collaboration with other agencies. These skills will be crucial as he takes on his new role as Commissioner of Police.

Immediate Challenges and Focus Areas

Satish Golcha’s appointment as Commissioner comes at a critical time for the Delhi Police. His immediate priorities are expected to include enhancing security measures for public officials, improving coordination among various law enforcement agencies, and ensuring that investigations into the attack on Chief Minister Gupta are carried out swiftly and transparently.

In the aftermath of the attack, Delhi Police’s handling of the situation has come under intense scrutiny. While the CM’s security team responded quickly to the threat, the attack exposed vulnerabilities in the existing security arrangements. Golcha will likely focus on reinforcing these protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Additionally, Golcha will have to address public concerns over the police’s ability to protect high-profile individuals and maintain law and order in the capital. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates these challenges and works to restore the confidence of Delhi’s residents in their police force.

Golcha’s vast experience in crisis management, intelligence operations, and law enforcement gives him the skills needed to navigate this complex situation. He will likely focus on addressing the root causes of the security breaches and ensure that public officials, especially those holding high-profile positions, are better protected in the future.

What Lies Ahead for Delhi Police

As the new Commissioner of Police, Satish Golcha will face a range of challenges in his efforts to restore peace and security to Delhi. One of the key issues that will demand his attention is the strengthening of security measures for public officials, particularly in the aftermath of the attack on Chief Minister Gupta.

The Delhi Police have faced criticism in recent years for their handling of various high-profile incidents. Golcha’s appointment signals the MHA’s commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are prepared to handle crises effectively. Under his leadership, the Delhi Police will need to demonstrate greater transparency and efficiency in their operations.

Golcha’s experience in managing crises and overseeing critical law enforcement functions will be put to the test as he leads the police force during this challenging time. His efforts to improve security protocols and investigate the CM’s attack will be key in determining the future direction of Delhi Police.

Golcha will also need to ensure better coordination between Delhi Police and other law enforcement agencies. Effective communication and information sharing among agencies will be crucial in managing potential threats and preventing incidents like the one involving the CM. This approach will help enhance the overall security environment in Delhi and provide residents with greater confidence in their police force.

As the situation develops, it is expected that Golcha will implement reforms aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the Delhi Police. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the police force adapts to the evolving security landscape and remains capable of responding to both traditional and emerging threats.