ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapur has pitched a fresh controversy by public disclosure of certain internal strategic matters. We cannot expect this from a DG rank IPS officer of 1990 batch seniority with more than 36 years of service. It is, however, critical and a matter of grave concern that he made such strategic revelations during an official ceremony ‘Himveer Samman Samaroh’. Moreover, the event was unfortunately made live on the YouTube account of the ITBP. It is also deeply concerning that he engaged in such irresponsible behaviour just one week before his retirement.
An officer of high dignity holding the position of Director General (DG) in a specialised national force like the ITBP ought to know what to say in an internal strategic meeting AND what to say on a formal ceremonial occasion. The conduct of Shatrujeet Kapur reflects a clear lack of sincerity, commitment and seriousness towards mandated duties. India, as a country, cannot afford such casual speeches by chiefs of its Armed Forces deployed on sensitive high altitude border locations.
I would like to point out the selection procedure which somehow related to empanelment of IPS officers for central deputations which has been in force for at least two decades. This process requires a review and a complete overhaul, as it is currently managed exclusively by senior-level officers; having no say of the political bosses who are actually accountable and answerable for anything right or wrong said or done by the officers of higher level. Especially, 360-approcah in the empanelment of officers of and above the rank of IGP should immediately be abandoned and a rational approach be adopted having merit, suitability and aptitude as a criteria for the specialised and sensitive jobs of specific nature. The ACR system (Annual Confidential Record or so-called Performance Appraisal method) has become outdated and have been evolved from British regime which believed on mounting supremacy on the countries and citizens through these officers.
As an IPS officer of the Punjab cadre, I professionally know Shatrujeet Kapur of the neighbouring Haryana cadre, although he joined the service seven years before I did. One full year, probably he took for preparing and trying his luck for the IAS. It is also a matter of debate whether a candidate already selected for the IPS or IFS should be permitted to take a one-year break—without affecting their seniority—to write for the IAS, the same examination which he or she already cleared. What I have personally observed of his work, I can say that his entire police career has been focused solely on securing favourable ACR (Annual Confidential Report) ratings. He was perhaps best suited for a position like Director of the NCRB, but certainly not to head a sensitive and specialized force like the ITBP. A rising nation like India and its citizens should not be forced to bear the consequences of such careless acts of certain officers.
I must reiterate that high ranking officers should clearly distinguish between what is appropriate to say in a strategic meeting and what can be said in a public address. Furthermore, platforms like YouTube should not be used for such purposes within these types of forces. Overall, the Indian government will have to pay a heavy price for the controversy he has stirred up in the country.
By Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh
25 October 2026
