IPS officer reviewing Anna Hazare's security is a yoga freak, friend of Baba Ramdev

Dr Satyapal Singh, Additional Director General of Police in Maharashtra and the man who is personally reviewing the security of anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare by visiting Anna’s native village in Ralegan Siddhi is an unusual police officer. His domain knowledge and understanding of Yoga, Vedas and Swami Vivekananda could make many religious experts envious.

And that has made him closer to many civil society activists and spiritual gurus over the years. Have a close look at this file photo. Satyapal Singh with his family had shared a happy moment with Baba Ramdev, Yoga guru and anti-corruption activist. The IPS officer was then Pune’s police commissioner.

Only a few days ago, Singh as additional DGP (law and order) visited Ralegan Siddhi and tried to persuade him to enhance the security cover. In the backdrop of attacks on Team Anna members, Prashant Bhushan and Arvind Kejriwal, it was originally suggested that Anna should be given Z category security which would have meant the deployment of 22 security personnel round the clock. But Anna had refused the suggestion. Finally, it was decided Anna will have 11 security men, as against the four who are being currently deployed. Metal detectors at the entrances of his home, Padmavati temple and his office were also installed.

As people close to the development say IPS Singh struck cords with Anna Hazare too. Born at Meerut, Singh was an M.Phil in chemistry from Delhi University, but he always developed a better chemistry with spiritualism and ancient India, particularly the Vedic age. While in service, Singh did his PhD in Naxalism, and an MBA from an Australian university.

In his blog, the IPS officer writes that guidance or instructions for individuals are actually provided in the Vedas in some form or the other. “Every minute and meaningful knowledge of the Universe, guidance or instructions for individuals, domestic, social, national or international harmonious, sustainable and holistic development are provided in the Vedas in seed forms… Vedas are encoded with scientific and technological insights, experiments and riddles,” Singh believes.

Action and Appointments

a) The ACC has approved the extension of Central deputation tenure of the following officers for a period of six months beyond the dates of completion of their normal tenure:

(i) Arvind Mayaram, a 1978 batch Rajasthan cadre IAS and additional secretary and financial adviser, ministry of rural development;

(ii) Sanjay Kothari, a 1978 batch Haryana cadre IAS and additional secretary, ministry of tourism.