Gandhinagar: Gujarat Police chief Ashish Bhatia who was going to retire from the Indian Police Service (IPS) on May 31st this year, has been in a special case given 8 months extension. He will continue to serve as State police chief for 8 more months beyond 31st May 2022. The decision has been taken by the union cabinet’s appointment committee. Bhatia’s extension in service was proposed by the union Home ministry. Bhatia was appointed as DGP of Gujarat on 31st July, 2020 succeeding Shivanand Jha. He is already in office in an extended term.

‘The appointment committee of the union cabinet has approved the proposal of the ministry of Home affairs for grant of extension in service of Ashish Bhatia, IPS (Gujarat cadre 1985), Director General of Police (DGP), Gujarat for a period of eight months beyond his date of superannuation 31st May, 2022, in relaxation of rule 16(1) of All India Service (Death cum Retirement benefits) rules, 1958 as a special case in public interest,’ the order copy stated.

Gujarat is going to witness the regular election of the State assembly in the month of December this year. Bhatia, an experienced and seasoned police officer will be leading the State police during the elections.