Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Deputy Director General Sanjay Singh has opted for voluntary retirement, effective April 30, 2024. Singh, a prominent figure within the agency, was pivotal in the investigation surrounding Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, in a high-profile drugs case.
Singh’s decision to retire prematurely, ahead of his scheduled retirement in January 2025, has raised speculation within the law enforcement community. While the exact reasons for his departure remain undisclosed, sources close to him suggest that his recent academic pursuits, including a master’s degree obtained in the United Kingdom, may have influenced his desire to transition to the corporate sector.
A seasoned Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1996 batch from the Orissa cadre, Singh boasts an illustrious career marked by significant contributions to various law enforcement agencies. His tenure includes notable roles within the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he successfully tackled cases ranging from the Medical Council to the Common Wealth Games scandals.
Singh’s expertise in combating narcotics-related crimes was further demonstrated during his leadership of the Odisha Police anti-drugs task force. His proficiency in handling complex investigations led to his appointment as Deputy Director General (Operations) within the NCB, and subsequently as Deputy Director General (Western Zone), stationed in Mumbai.
NCB Director General S N Pradhan commended Singh as a “thorough professional,” highlighting his efficiency across multiple roles within the CBI, NCB, and Odisha Police. Singh’s integrity and dedication to duty were evident when he spearheaded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that absolved Aryan Khan and five others of drug-related charges in May 2022, citing a lack of substantial evidence.
The development comes in the wake of heightened public interest in the Aryan Khan saga, following his arrest in October 2021 on drug-related charges during a high-profile raid in Mumbai led by NCB officer Wankhede.
