Key Points

• Current Role: Vikas Sahay is the Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Gujarat, appointed full-time in March 2023, with a six-month extension granted until December 31, 2025.
• Experience: A 1989-batch IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre, Sahay has over 35 years of distinguished service in various policing roles, including UN Peacekeeping and founding Raksha Shakti University.
• Education: Holds a postgraduate degree in History, blending academic insight with practical policing expertise.
• Achievements: Known for his clean record, administrative calm, and initiatives like mandating police escorts for school trips and tackling high-profile fraud cases.
• Family Legacy: Part of a distinguished family of civil servants, with brothers Vivek Sahay (DGP, West Bengal) and Vikram Sahay (Indian Revenue Service, Delhi).

Who is Vikas Sahay?

Vikas Sahay is a seasoned Indian Police Service (IPS) officer whose leadership as Gujarat’s Director General of Police has been marked by integrity, innovation, and a commitment to public safety. His career, spanning over three decades, reflects a remarkable journey from grassroots policing to steering one of India’s most dynamic state police forces.

What Has He Achieved?

Sahay’s tenure as DGP has seen significant reforms, including enhanced cybercrime measures and safety protocols for public institutions. His extension as DGP until December 2025 underscores his pivotal role in maintaining law and order in Gujarat during a critical period.

Why is His Work Important?

As the head of Gujarat Police, Sahay oversees law enforcement in a state known for its economic vibrancy and complex security challenges. His leadership ensures that Gujarat remains a safe and progressive state, balancing modernization with community-centric policing.

Biography of Vikas Sahay: A Legacy of Leadership in Gujarat Police

Vikas Sahay, a 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Gujarat cadre, stands as a towering figure in Indian law enforcement. As the Director General of Police (DGP) and Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Gujarat, Sahay has dedicated over 35 years to public service, earning a reputation for his calm demeanor, upright conduct, and strategic vision. His recent six-month extension as DGP, announced on June 30, 2025, reflects the trust placed in him by both the Gujarat government and the Union Home Ministry. This biography explores his life, career, and contributions, offering a comprehensive look at a leader shaping the future of policing in Gujarat.

Early Life and Education

Born in June 1965 in Bihar, Vikas Sahay grew up in a family that valued public service and intellectual rigor. His academic journey culminated in a postgraduate degree in History, a discipline that honed his analytical skills and provided a deep understanding of societal dynamics qualities that would later define his approach to policing. Inspired by a commitment to serve the nation, Sahay cleared the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, joining the IPS in August 1989. His training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad equipped him with the skills and discipline needed for a challenging career in law enforcement.

Sahay comes from a remarkable family of civil servants. His elder brother, Vivek Sahay, a 1988-batch IPS officer, serves as the DGP of West Bengal, while his younger brother, Vikram Sahay, is an Indian Revenue Service officer in Delhi. This legacy of public service underscores the Sahay family’s dedication to nation-building.

Early Career: Building a Foundation in Policing

Sahay’s career began with his first posting in 1999 as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Anand, Gujarat, where he tackled local law enforcement challenges with a focus on community engagement. His early roles included SP of Ahmedabad Rural in 2001, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Zones II and III in Ahmedabad City in 2002, and DCP Traffic in 2004. By 2005, he was promoted to Additional Commissioner of Police (CP) Traffic in Ahmedabad, followed by Additional CP and Joint CP roles in Surat City in 2007 and 2008, respectively.

A significant milestone in Sahay’s early career was his participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina during 1998–99. This international assignment exposed him to global policing standards and conflict resolution, shaping his perspective on law enforcement in diverse and challenging environments.

Rise to Prominence: Leadership and Innovation

Sahay’s career trajectory reflects his ability to handle increasingly complex responsibilities. In 2009, he served as Inspector General (IG) of Security, followed by IG of the CID and Intelligence Bureau in 2010. His strategic acumen and clean record made him a natural choice for high-impact roles. One of his most significant contributions was his appointment as the founding Director General of Raksha Shakti University (now Rashtriya Raksha University), a flagship initiative of the Gujarat government. From 2010 to 2016 as Deputy Director General and later until 2020 as Director General, Sahay played a pivotal role in establishing India’s first police university, dedicated to training and research in security and law enforcement.

In 2018, as Chairman of the Lok Rakshak Recruitment Board (LRRB), Sahay faced a significant challenge when a police recruitment exam paper was leaked. Demonstrating decisive leadership, he publicly announced the leak and canceled the examination, earning praise for his transparency and commitment to fairness. This incident highlighted his ability to navigate crises with integrity, a quality that would define his later roles.

Appointment as Gujarat DGP

Sahay’s ascent to the top echelon of the Gujarat Police began with his promotion to Director General of Police (Training) in Ahmedabad, a role he held until early 2023. Following the retirement of DGP Ashish Bhatia on January 31, 2023, Sahay was appointed in-charge DGP on February 1, 2023, and subsequently confirmed as the full-time DGP and IGP on March 1, 2023. His appointment came at a time when Gujarat faced challenges such as paper leaks for government recruitment exams and rising cybercrime.

As DGP, Sahay has introduced several forward-thinking initiatives. In response to safety concerns, he mandated police escorts for school trips across the state, enhancing child safety. He also strengthened the Gujarat Police’s cybercrime unit, establishing specialized police stations to tackle the growing threat of digital fraud. His leadership during high-profile cases, such as the Bopal murder case in November 2024, underscored his commitment to accountability, as he warned police personnel of strict action for involvement in criminal activities.

Recent Developments and Extension

On June 30, 2025, as Sahay was set to retire, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a six-month extension of his service until December 31, 2025, in relaxation of Rule 16(1) of the All India Services (DCRB) Rules, 1958. This decision, endorsed by the Union Home Ministry, reflects Sahay’s non-controversial tenure and the confidence of both state and central governments in his leadership. The extension, announced hours before his scheduled farewell, surprised many but was seen as a testament to his effective stewardship of the Gujarat Police.

Sahay’s extension places him among an elite group of Gujarat DGPs, including Ashish Bhatia, S. S. Khandwawala, and Shivanand Jha, who received post-retirement extensions. His tenure has been marked by a focus on modernization, with the Gujarat Police adopting advanced technologies to combat cybercrime and enhance public safety. Sahay’s leadership has also been pivotal in managing high-profile events, such as the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad, and coordinating responses to complex fraud complaints.

Personal Insights and Legacy

Known for his administrative calm and clean record, Sahay is respected for his ability to balance firmness with empathy. His motto, “Seva, Suraksha, Shanti” (Service, Security, Peace), encapsulates his people-centric approach to policing. Colleagues describe him as a leader who leads by example, fostering trust and collaboration within the force.

Sahay’s family legacy adds a unique dimension to his story. His discussions with his brother Vivek, the DGP of West Bengal, often revolve around policing challenges and innovations, reflecting a shared commitment to public service. This familial bond underscores the Sahay brothers’ influence in shaping law enforcement across two major Indian states.

Conclusion

Vikas Sahay’s journey from a young officer in Anand to the DGP of Gujarat is a testament to his dedication, integrity, and vision. His leadership has strengthened the Gujarat Police, making it a model of modernization and community engagement. As he continues to serve until December 2025, Sahay’s legacy as a steadfast guardian of Gujarat’s safety will endure, inspiring future generations of law enforcement officers.