The Delhi Police has introduced a major restructuring of its Anti-Terror Unit, known as the Special Cell, with a new order issued on August 30, 2023. The reorganization is designed to improve the unit’s efficiency in tackling terrorism and organized crime, and includes the appointment of four new Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) to lead different operational wings.
According to the new structure, DCP Manishi Chandra will oversee both Counter Intelligence (CI) and Counter Terrorism (CT). Previously, Chandra served as Officer on Special Duty to former Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora. DCP Krishan Kumar has been assigned to the Southwestern Range, Northern Range, and City Suspect Surveillance (CSS) units, after his transfer from the Fourth Battalion of the Delhi Armed Police. DCP Aalap Patel will take charge of the Headquarters, Southern Range, Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. DCP Amit Kaushik has been tasked with managing the New Delhi Range, Eastern Range, and the Special Investigation Team (SIT). All four DCPs will coordinate with the Special Commissioner of Police and report to the Additional Commissioner of Police within the Special Cell.
The Special Cell, first established in 1986 to counter terrorism and organized crime in Delhi, has seen its responsibilities expand significantly over the years. Its officers are drawn from across the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS). Traditionally, DCPs in the unit reported directly to the Joint or Special Commissioner of Police, but the new framework emphasizes layered leadership and improved coordination.
This latest overhaul follows several rounds of changes earlier in the year. In March 2023, about 15 inspectors and 20 sub-inspectors were transferred to different units as part of a broader internal restructuring effort. Former Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora had also proposed bringing in two Additional Commissioners of Police to manage five operational ranges and divisions. Earlier, in 2021, then Commissioner Rakesh Asthana strengthened the unit by appointing three IPS officers for each range and the Counter Intelligence unit to inject fresh perspectives into its functioning.
Currently, the Special Cell operates with one IPS officer and three DANIPS officers as DCPs across its units. However, the post of Special Commissioner of Police remains vacant following the retirement of Vivek Gogia on July 31, 2023. In the interim, Rajesh Khurana, a 1994-batch IPS officer, is holding charge in an acting capacity.
Officials say the restructuring is aimed at strengthening teamwork, improving response times to emerging threats, and enhancing adaptability in dealing with the evolving landscape of terrorism and organized crime. The Delhi Police hopes the revamped structure will reinforce its ability to safeguard the capital. Citizens and security experts alike are watching closely as these changes take effect in one of the city’s most crucial police units.
