Sujoy Lal Thaosen | |
|---|---|
 S. L. Thaosen in official uniform as Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal | |
| 37th Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force | |
| In office 3 October 2022 – 30 November 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Kuldiep Singh |
| Succeeded by | Anish Dayal Singh |
| Director General, Border Security Force (additional charge) | |
| In office 31 December 2022 – 14 June 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Pankaj Kumar Singh |
| Succeeded by | Nitin Agarwal |
| 21st Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal | |
| In office 1 June 2022 – 3 October 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Kumar Rajesh Chandra (Sanjay Arora, officiating) |
| Succeeded by | Anish Dayal Singh (additional charge; Rashmi Shukla as regular DG from 3 March 2023) |
| Director General, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (additional charge) | |
| In office 1 August 2022 – 3 October 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Sanjay Arora |
| Succeeded by | Anish Dayal Singh |
| Special Director General, Border Security Force | |
| In office February 2020 – May 2022 | |
| Director, Sports and Youth Affairs, Madhya Pradesh | |
| Additional Director General of Intelligence, Madhya Pradesh Police | |
| Chief Commissioner, Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services | |
| Assumed office 12 March 2024 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 6, 1963 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (M.A.) Vikram University, Ujjain (Ph.D.) | |
Awards | President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2012) Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2005) United Nations Medal (UNMIBH, 1999–2000) Police Special Duty Medal Special Service Medal Long Service Medal Simhastha Jyoti Medal (2016) |
Sujoy Lal Thaosen (born 6 November 1963), also referred to as S. L. Thaosen, is a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1988 batch from the Madhya Pradesh cadre. He served as the 37th Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force from 3 October 2022 to 30 November 2023. Earlier, he served as the 21st Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal from 1 June 2022 to 3 October 2022, and held additional charge of Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police from 1 August 2022 to 3 October 2022. He additionally held charge of Director General of the Border Security Force from 31 December 2022 until the appointment of regular DG Nitin Agarwal in June 2023. Following retirement, he was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services and assumed office on 12 March 2024.
Born in Haflong, Assam, Thaosen holds a Master of Arts in Political Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and a doctorate from Vikram University, Ujjain. Within the Madhya Pradesh cadre, he held specialist roles including Additional Director General of Intelligence and Director, Sports and Youth Affairs. During his basic training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, he was adjudged the best probationer in outdoor activities. He served approximately nine years in the Special Protection Group (SPG) and contributed to United Nations peacekeeping in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also oversaw security for the Kumbh Mela at Ujjain, national celebrations in Delhi, and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He is a recipient of four police medals, including the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2012).
Early life and education
editSujoy Lal Thaosen was born on 6 November 1963 in Haflong, the district headquarters of Dima Hasao in Assam, northeastern India. Haflong is situated in the North Cachar Hills and is Assam's only hill station.
He pursued higher education at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, where he obtained a Master of Arts in Political Studies. He subsequently completed a Ph.D. from Vikram University, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh in 2006, on the subject of protection of human rights and police activities.[1] He is consistently referred to in official government records as Dr. Sujoy Lal Thaosen.
He was selected into the Indian Police Service in the 1988 batch and allotted to the Madhya Pradesh cadre. During his basic training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad, he was adjudged the Best Probationer in outdoor activities.[2]
Career
editMadhya Pradesh Police
editAfter joining the IPS in 1988, Thaosen served across multiple postings within the Madhya Pradesh Police. His cadre-level career included district commands as well as two noted state-level roles: Additional Director General (ADG) of Intelligence and Director, Sports and Youth Affairs.
As ADG Intelligence, he oversaw the state's intelligence apparatus, responsible for gathering and analysing internal security inputs and advising on law-and-order matters.
As Director, Sports and Youth Affairs (confirmed active in this role in November 2019), he headed the Directorate Sports and Youth Welfare. In this capacity he oversaw the development of sporting infrastructure across the state, organised inter-state and national events, and led youth welfare programmes. Under his tenure Bhopal expanded its standing as a national water sports hub, with training centres operating on the city's lakes. He also initiated a notable welfare measure: the extension of medical, accident, and life insurance cover to all players representing Madhya Pradesh at the national level — described at the time as the first such comprehensive scheme by any Indian state.[3] Madhya Pradesh also hosted the All India Police water sports championship in 2019 during his tenure as Sports Director.
United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1999–2000)
editThaosen served with the United Nations as part of the International Police Task Force (IPTF) within the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH). Deployed from 1999 to 2000, he contributed to post-conflict police restructuring in the Balkans following the Yugoslav Wars.[4]
Special Protection Group (2004–2013)
editThaosen served in the Special Protection Group (SPG) on two separate postings, holding the ranks of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and subsequently Inspector General (IG), with a combined tenure spanning approximately nine years from 2004 to 2013.[4] The SPG is exclusively mandated to provide proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and former Prime Ministers.
During his SPG postings, Thaosen was responsible for the security of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other former Prime Ministers of India. Following the end of his second SPG stint in 2013, he returned to his MP cadre, where he remained until being brought back on central deputation in 2020.[1]
Major national event oversight
editThaosen was assigned security oversight for several major national events:
- Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Ujjain: Thaosen supervised security for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela held at Ujjain — one of the world's largest religious congregations, drawing approximately five crore pilgrims to the sacred Kshipra River. The event ran from 22 April to 21 May 2016 and is held every twelve years at Ujjain.
- Republic Day and Independence Day, New Delhi: He oversaw security for India's national celebrations (26 January and 15 August) in New Delhi.[5]
- 2010 Commonwealth Games: He held a supervisory security role during the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi.[5]
Border Security Force – ADG and Special Director General (February 2020 – May 2022)
editThaosen joined the Border Security Force (BSF) in February 2020 on deputation, initially serving as Additional Director General (ANO).[6] His post was subsequently upgraded in-situ to Special Director General.[7] He was thereafter shifted to BSF Headquarters, New Delhi as Special Director General (Logistics), while also holding additional charge of Special DG (ANO) until further orders.[8]
Sashastra Seema Bal – 21st Director General (1 June 2022 – 3 October 2022)
editOn 1 June 2022, the Government of India appointed Thaosen as the 21st Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).[9] He was handed the customary baton by officiating DG Sanjay Arora at SSB headquarters in R. K. Puram, New Delhi, and was accorded a Guard of Honour. The SSB guards India's unfenced frontiers with Nepal (1,751 km) and Bhutan (699 km) and conducts anti-Naxal and internal security operations. The post had been vacant since the retirement of DG Kumar Rajesh Chandra on 31 December 2021.
On 3 October 2022, when Thaosen moved to the CRPF, Anish Dayal Singh took over as regular DG ITBP and was simultaneously assigned additional charge of SSB "till the appointment and joining of the regular incumbent or until further orders".[10] Rashmi Shukla was subsequently appointed as the regular DG SSB on 3 March 2023, replacing Anish Dayal Singh in that role.[11]
Indo-Tibetan Border Police – Additional Charge as Director General (1 August 2022 – 3 October 2022)
editOn 1 August 2022, while serving as SSB Director General, Thaosen additionally assumed the charge of Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), following the transfer of Sanjay Arora (1988-batch, Tamil Nadu cadre) to Commissioner of the Delhi Police.[12] The ITBP, raised in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War, is primarily tasked with guarding India's 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
On 3 October 2022, Anish Dayal Singh (1988-batch, Manipur cadre) took charge as the regular 32nd DG of ITBP, receiving the baton from Thaosen.[13]
Central Reserve Police Force – 37th Director General (3 October 2022 – 30 November 2023)
editOn 3 October 2022, Thaosen was appointed the 37th Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), following the retirement of DG Kuldiep Singh (1986-batch, West Bengal cadre) on 30 September 2022.[14] The appointment was sanctioned by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
With a strength of approximately 3.5 lakh (350,000) personnel, the CRPF is India's largest Central Armed Police Force, designated as the lead internal security force.[14] Thaosen served until his superannuation on 30 November 2023, after which Anish Dayal Singh followed him as CRPF DG.
Border Security Force – Additional Charge as Director General (31 December 2022 – 14 June 2023)
editOn 31 December 2022, following the retirement of BSF Director General Pankaj Kumar Singh (1988-batch, Rajasthan cadre), Thaosen took on the additional charge of Director General of the Border Security Force.[15] He held this charge until 14 June 2023, when Nitin Agarwal (1989-batch, Kerala cadre) assumed charge as the regular DG BSF.[16][17]
Service record
edit| Period | Post / Organisation | Rank / Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 onwards | Madhya Pradesh Police – District commands | Various (SP and above) | Field commands across MP cadre districts |
| MP cadre | Madhya Pradesh – Additional Director General of Intelligence | Additional Director General | Headed state intelligence apparatus |
| MP cadre (confirmed active November 2019) | Madhya Pradesh – Director, Sports and Youth Affairs | Director | Headed Directorate Sports and Youth Welfare; developed water sports infrastructure in Bhopal; launched state's first athlete insurance scheme; hosted All India Police Water Sports Championship 2019 |
| 1999–2000 | UN Mission in Bosnia & Herzegovina (UNMIBH / IPTF) | International Police Officer | Post-conflict police restructuring |
| 2004–2013 | Special Protection Group (SPG) | DIG, then IG | Two postings; ~9 years total; security of PM Manmohan Singh and other former PMs |
| Feb 2020 – May 2022 | Border Security Force (BSF) | ADG (ANO) → upgraded in-situ to Special DG; then Spl DG (Logistics) with addl charge of ANO | Joined on deputation; post upgraded in-situ; later shifted to Logistics at BSF HQ |
| 1 Jun 2022 – 3 Oct 2022 | Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | Director General (21st DG) | Guards India–Nepal (1,751 km) and India–Bhutan (699 km) frontiers; succeeded by Anish Dayal Singh (addl charge), then Rashmi Shukla (regular DG, 3 Mar 2023) |
| 1 Aug 2022 – 3 Oct 2022 | Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | Director General (Additional charge) | Guards 3,488 km LAC with China; succeeded by Anish Dayal Singh (32nd DG) |
| 3 Oct 2022 – 30 Nov 2023 | Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | Director General (37th DG) | India's largest CAPF; ~3.5 lakh personnel; succeeded Kuldiep Singh; succeeded by Anish Dayal Singh |
| 31 Dec 2022 – 14 Jun 2023 | Border Security Force (BSF) | Director General (Additional charge) | Ended on joining of regular DG Nitin Agarwal (14 June 2023); concurrent with CRPF DG role |
| 30 Nov 2023 | Superannuation — retirement on attaining the age of 60 | ||
Awards and decorations
edit| Ribbon | Award | Year |
|---|---|---|
 |
President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service | 2012 |
 |
Police Medal for Meritorious Service | 2005 |
| [[Image:{{{name}}}.svg|106px|alt=]] | United Nations Medal (UNMIBH — Bosnia & Herzegovina, 1999–2000) | 1999–2000 |
 |
Police Special Duty Medal | — |
 |
Special Service Medal | — |
 |
Long Service Medal | — |
| Simhastha Jyoti Medal (2016 Ujjain Simhastha) | 2016 |
Post-retirement
editFollowing his superannuation on 30 November 2023, Thaosen was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services and was sworn in on 12 March 2024 at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati, by Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.[18] He was the first incumbent to hold this post.[19] An Assam government notification states that the post carries a tenure of three years from assumption of office or until the holder attains the age of sixty-five, whichever is earlier.
The Commission oversees implementation of the Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of Services Act in Assam, ensuring government departments deliver public services within statutory timeframes.
Personal interests
editThaosen is reported to have interests in athletics, tennis, badminton, and golf.[5] His role as Director, Sports and Youth Affairs in Madhya Pradesh reflects an institutional as well as personal engagement with sport.
References
edit- 1 2 Das, Madhuparna (23 January 2023). "In 8 months, one DGP has juggled CRPF, BSF, SSB, ITBP. For others, there's no work". The Print.
- ↑ "SSB gets IPS Sujoy Lal Thaosen as its new chief". Rakshak News. 1 June 2022.
- ↑ "MP athletes playing at national level to get insurance cover". Business Standard. PTI. 4 November 2019.
- 1 2 "Senior IPS Sujoy Thaosen takes over additional charge as DG BSF". BW Police World. 2 January 2023.
- 1 2 3 "Sujoy Lal Thaosen sworn in as Chief Commissioner". NE News. 12 March 2024.
- ↑ "S L Thaosen appointed ADG, BSF". Whispers in the Corridors.
- ↑ "Post of S L Thaosen upgraded as Special Director General, BSF". Whispers in the Corridors. March 2022.
- ↑ "Dr S L Thaosen shifted to BSF HQs New Delhi". Whispers in the Corridors. 29 July 2021.
- ↑ "Sujoy Lal Thaosen takes over as SSB DG". The Print. PTI. 1 June 2022.
- ↑ "ITBP Director General Anis Dayal gets additional charge of SSB Chief". ANI. 3 October 2022.
- ↑ "Rashmi Shukla appointed as DG, SSB". Legend Officers. 3 March 2023.
- ↑ "Dr Sujoy Lal Thaosen, IPS takes over additional charge of DG, ITBP". Aviation & Defence Universe. 1 August 2022.
- ↑ "Anish Dayal Singh takes charge as ITBP DG". The Print. PTI. 3 October 2022.
- 1 2 "Sujoy Lal Thaosen takes charge as 37th CRPF Director General". ANI. 3 October 2022.
- ↑ "CRPF Director-General Sujoy Thaosen takes charge of BSF". The Tribune. 31 December 2022.
- ↑ "Kerala-cadre IPS officer Nitin Agarwal appointed BSF DG". India TV News. 12 June 2023.
- ↑ "Kerala cadre IPS Nitin Agarwal takes over as new Director General of BSF". Orissa Post. 14 June 2023.
- ↑ "Ex-CRPF DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen appointed Chief Commissioner of Assam SCRPS". NE Now News. 12 March 2024.
- ↑ "Dr Thaosen to be Chief Commissioner of Assam Right to Public Services". Whispers in the Corridors. March 2024.
Sources
edit- Das, Madhuparna (23 January 2023). "In 8 months, one DGP has juggled CRPF, BSF, SSB, ITBP. For others, there's no work". The Print.
- "Senior IPS Sujoy Thaosen takes over additional charge as DG BSF". BW Police World. 2 January 2023.
- "Dr Sujoy Lal Thaosen takes over additional charge as BSF DG". Bureaucrats India. January 2023.
- "Ex-CRPF DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen appointed Chief Commissioner of Assam SCRPS". NE Now News. 12 March 2024.
- "Sujoy Lal Thaosen sworn in as Chief Commissioner of Assam State Commission". NE News. 12 March 2024.
- "S L Thaosen IPS appointed Special Director General, BSF". Indian Bureaucracy. June 2021.
- "S L Thaosen IPS appointed DG-CRPF". Indian Bureaucracy. October 2022.
- "Centre Appoints S L Thaosen as Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal". Adda247 Current Affairs. 2 June 2022.
- "Dr Sujoy Lal Thaosen, IPS takes over additional charge of DG, ITBP". Aviation & Defence Universe. 1 August 2022.
- "Sujoy Lal Thaosen (IPS) is the new CRPF Chief". PSU Watch. 1 October 2022.
- "Who is Sujoy Lal Thaosen? Know more about the Assam son from Haflong". NE Now News. 5 June 2022.
- "CRPF chief SL Thaosen takes additional charge of Border Security Force DG". ANI. 31 December 2022.
- "CRPF Director-General Sujoy Thaosen takes charge of BSF". The Tribune. 31 December 2022.
- "Sujoy Lal Thaosen takes over as SSB DG". The Print. PTI. 1 June 2022.
- "Anish Dayal Singh takes charge as ITBP DG; Thaosen as CRPF chief". The Print. PTI. 3 October 2022.
- "IPS officer Rashmi Shukla appointed DG of SSB". The Shillong Times. 3 March 2023.
- "Kerala-cadre IPS officer Nitin Agarwal appointed BSF DG". India TV News. PTI. 12 June 2023.
- "Kerala cadre IPS Nitin Agarwal takes over as new Director General of BSF". Orissa Post. 14 June 2023.
- "SSB gets IPS Sujoy Lal Thaosen as its new chief". Rakshak News. 1 June 2022.
- "Meet IPS officers Sujoy Lal Thaosen and Anish Dayal Singh, new chiefs of CRPF and ITBP". DNA India. 2 October 2022.