In a last-minute decision that surprised many in the state police circles, the Gujarat Government has granted a three-month extension to Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay, allowing him to remain in office till September 30, 2025.
Until this announcement, preparations were already underway at Gujarat Police Bhavan for Sahay’s formal farewell, as he was slated to retire today. However, the extension puts on hold any immediate discussions around appointing his successor.
“I’m grateful for the continued trust placed in me. My focus will remain on strengthening policing and maintaining public trust,” said Vikas Sahay in a brief statement following the decision.
From Sidelines to the Top Post
Sahay’s journey to the top post has been far from conventional. For a significant portion of his career, he remained in side postings, including at Rakshashakti University and Karai Police Academy, despite being promoted three times.
He was considered low-profile until he rose to the post of DGP following the retirement of Ashish Bhatia, based on his seniority and clean image. However, his tenure hasn’t been without controversy. The SMC CID crime investigation, particularly his soft stance toward local police personnel allegedly involved, raised eyebrows and invited criticism.
“He may not have taken a hardline approach in some sensitive matters, but he has maintained administrative calm, which counts in Gujarat’s police structure,” said a senior IPS officer on condition of anonymity.
Pattern of Extensions Continues
Vikas Sahay now becomes the third consecutive DGP to receive an extension from the state government. Previously, IPS Shivanand Jha and Ashish Bhatia were also granted term extensions. Jha, in particular, gained recognition for his strict discipline during the COVID-19 lockdown, transforming the SMC’s policing and holding local officers accountable.
Due to these precedents, former IPS officer Sanjay Srivastava could not make it to the DGP chair as he had less than six months left before retirement, a disqualifier under new guidelines.
With Vikas Sahay’s extension, speculation over the next DGP will have to wait. For now, the Gujarat Government has once again opted for continuity at the top of its police force.
