‘To the people: we're with you; to criminals: you will be found': Haryana DGP O P Singh

Indian Express

12-07-2025

On Thursday evening, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini chaired a meeting of the police's top brass that went on beyond midnight. Instructions were clear: 'Enforce law and order, nail the offenders, and ensure a higher conviction rate'. In the wake of the CM's post-midnight crime review meeting, senior IPS officer DGP O P Singh, who heads the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau in a conversation with The Indian Express, Singh unpacks the paradox of figures that show a falling crime rate, yet fragile trust, the state's aggressive push against drugs, and the behind-the-scenes work in forensics and housing reforms. DGP Singh is also the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Managing Director of Haryana Police Housing Corporation.
DGP O P Singh: That's the central issue the Chief Minister has flagged, and rightly so. Our figures show a steady drop in serious crimes, faster detection, and high arrest rates. But public confidence still lags. We need to explain our work better, show people how we crack cases quickly, file charge sheets, and push for convictions. It's not just about catching criminals, it's about making people feel that justice is real, fast, and visible.
DGP Singh: Absolutely. We must go beyond enforcement. People need to understand how the system works, from the stage of complaint to the last stage of conviction. The police are doing their part; prosecution and courts also need to move swiftly so justice becomes a deterrent. Trust builds when people see that the system works without delay.
DGP Singh: We've gone all-in. In the first half of 2025, commercial quantity NDPS cases rose by nearly 29 per cent, heroin seizures tripled, and inter-state arrests jumped over 34 per cent. This isn't a seasonal push. It is a sustained, coordinated offensive. Our teams are targeting supply chains, not just street dealers. It is yielding results, and we're not letting up.
DGP Singh: A huge one. Peer pressure, thrill-seeking, and escape often lead youth to drugs. We're stopping supply, but families need to spot the signs early. Parents must stay engaged and informed. Schools and communities have to act as protective buffers. It's not a law enforcement problem alone. It is a shared social responsibility.
DGP Singh: We've scaled up significantly. With the new criminal code mandating forensic input in serious crimes, we've expanded our DNA and NDPS divisions. NDPS cases are now processed within 2 to 4 weeks — critical for swift trials. We're also focusing on synthetic drugs, identifying trends, and sharing alerts with field units. Cyber and digital forensics have been reinforced too. FSL is no longer just a lab — it's a frontline support agency.
DGP Singh: We've adopted a design thinking approach. We've mapped short-and long-term pain points — inadequate ventilation, cramped kitchens, safety issues, lack of recreational space. We are now building for dignity and utility: modular layouts, family-friendly spaces, smart surveillance, and better community areas. Good housing boosts morale — and better morale makes for sharper policing.
DGP Singh: Trust. Whether we're chasing drug cartels, processing forensic evidence, or building homes for officers — the end goal is the same: public trust in institutions, and internal trust within the system. That's how we make Haryana safer, more responsive, and truly future-ready.
DGP Singh: To the people: we are with you, always. To the criminals: you will be found. Haryana has changed — we are faster, smarter, and more determined than ever.