Retired officials from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) demand reversal of recent transfers and suspension of Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) following protests against new Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Act,2026. They claim actions against them are retaliation for families' participation in demonstrations.
April 9, same day law took effect, 20 officers from Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) transferred,DIG B.C. Patra suspended. H.R. Singh,president of Alliance of All Ex-Para-Military Forces Welfare Associations,said officers targeted based on footage from protest at Rajghat in Delhi. Families of CAPF personnel gathered there to voice dissent. Singh,who retired as CRPF Additional Director-General,emphasized families exercised legal right to protest.
Singh and others call for immediate withdrawal of CAPF Act,arguing it undermines promotion prospects for serving officers. Anand Nimbadia,former Inspector-General with Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), pointed out recent CRPF promotions limited,many officers waiting up to 16 years for advancement. Warned new law reserves key positions for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, hindering career progression of lower-ranked personnel.
CAPF Act,passed by Parliament on April 2, mandates significant percentage of senior posts within CAPFs be filled by IPS officers. Includes 50% of Inspector-General positions,all posts for Special D-G and D-G ranks . Previously,such appointments made through executive orders,new legislation formalizes process,sidelining CAPF officers.
In wake of suspension,DIG Patra reportedly challenged order,arguing no disciplinary proceedings initiated against him,as required by Central Civil Services (Classification,Control and Appeal) Rules of 1965. Suspension based on allegations of disseminating politically provocative content.
Concerns about personal safety have emerged among retired officials. Ranbir Singh,association's general secretary, reported vehicles are followed,unidentified individuals seen filming their homes. Expressed alarm over calls from international numbers,stating,“We are here to fight for welfare of jawans.”
In response,CRPF Director-General G.P. Singh characterized transfers as routine administrative actions . Regarding DIG Patra's suspension,reiterated all officers must adhere to established rules,stating any actions contrary will be addressed according to law .
Ongoing tension reflects broader discontent within CAPF over new legislation,as retired officials continue advocating for their rights and those of serving counterparts. How will this play out…?
