Bihar Cadre IPS Officer Ranjit Sinha takes over as CBI Chief

Senior IPS officer Ranjit Sinha took the charge as the 25th Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday.

Sinha is an IPS officer of 1974 batch (Bihar cadre) and prior to joining CBI, he served as DG, ITBP.

After Taking Charge, he preferred not to comment on the controversy over his appointment.

“I don’t think that there is any controversy. Government chose me and I am here,” said Sinha.

“I feel very honoured, and at the same time, am also humbled at the extremely important task bestowed on me,” he said.

When his appointment was announced, the Bharatiya Janata Party had questioned the manner in which the 1974 batch IPS officer was appointed to head the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Congress-led government.

Sinha rubbished reports of resentment among IPS officers over his appointment.

“I don’t think there’s any resentment among IPS officers. I do not know who filed a petition or complaint against me. It is the prerogative of the government,” he said when asked about petitions filed against his appointment. He said the decision to increase the tenure of CBI director is a policy matter and at present, it is two years.

Sinha quoted Issac Newton: “I could see farther only because I stood on the shoulders of giants”. “It is with deep sense of responsibility that I take charge of the prestigious office of the Director, CBI. I feel very honoured and at the same time I am also humbled at the important task bestowed over to me. The CBI is the nation’s premier agency for investigating corruption and crime,” Sinha said, adding that his emphasis would be on addressing delays in execution of Letters Rogatory and improving forensic capabilities of the agency

“I am well aware of the rigours, processes and procedures being followed in this organization, having served as DIG and Joint Director in the Bureau. Now, as head of the bureau, I also bring with me, experience from serving the nation in my cadre as well as heading central police organisations,” Sinha added.

He said that to make the CBI effective, the agency needed more manpower, modern technology and facilities, upgradation of forensic laboratories and reduction in delays in execution of Letters Rogatory.

Earlier, Shri Sinha served as Superintendent of Police of Madhubani, Saharsa & Railway(Patna). He has also served as DIG, Magadh Range, Gaya. He has served in CRPF as IG(Ops) at Srinagar and IG(Pers) at Directorate General.

After joining as ADG in Indo Tibetan Border Police, he played a key role in strengthening security set-up of the Indian Mission in Afghanistan. Shri Sinha headed RPF as DG and made significant contribution in implementing the integrated security scheme at various Railway Stations.

Ranjit Sinha, a Post Graduate in Science from Patna University, has an M.Phil from IIPA, New Delhi and a Diploma in HR Management from Wollongong University, Australia.

He has been decorated with the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1991 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 1997.

Sinha succeeds Amar Pratap Singh who stepped down as director Nov 30 after completing his two-year tenure. Amar Pratap Singh was also an IPS Officer from Bihar Cadre of the 1974 Batch ( now Jharkhand Cadre).

Earlier Shri Singh served as Superintendent of Police of Katihar, Bhagalpur & Jamshedpur. He served as IGP Special Branch & CID in Meghalaya while on North-East deputation. He also served as Chief Vigilance Officer in Indian Airlines.

He was specially selected by the Chief Minister of Jharkhand as Officer on Special Duty to function as Advisor to Chief Minister in his secretariat. He served as Additional Director General in the Border Security Force.