Sanjeev Kumar Singh, an 1987 batch Madhya Pradesh Cadre IPS officer (retired) passed away in Gurugram late Friday night. He was currently working as a consultant in the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
Singh was admitted to the hospital after he was diagnosed with dengue and subsequent brain haemorrhage. On Friday night he suffered a major stroke and passed away.
Led probe into 2016 Pathankot attack
SK Singh led the probe into the 2016 terrorist attack on the Pathankot Air Force base while serving in the NIA.
According to PTI, the officer had led the NIA probe in the 2016 terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force base in Punjab’s Pathankot and had escorted a joint investigation team of Pakistani officials, in March that year, who visited the air base as part of their own probe in the case.
In 2018, he had a close call when he was heading the Pathankot terror attack probe. He nearly stepped on a well-concealed live hand grenade.Fortunately , a colleague alerted him in the nick of time after noticing the unusually raised clump of grass. The live grenade was barely inches away from Singh’s feet, lying under some bricks. While its pin had been removed, its lever was unreleased.
Who was SK Singh?
SK Singh was not only an ace professional and also a fitness enthusiast. He shot several videos for government’s Fit India campaign, and posted them on his Twitter account. In 2011, he saved a drowning girl in New Delhi while he was on his way to office.
He completed seven years in the National Investigation Agency (NIA), giving it much strength in shaping the current organization.
Condolences poured in
Former colleagues from all across the country mourned the officer’s loss. He was loved and respected as much from his batchmates as by his juniors.
DG MP Vivek Johri said, “The MP cadre is shocked by his tragic demise. Outpouring of grief by all ranks here is unprecedented. He was so popular and was looked upon as a role model of how professional and yet humane a police officer should be. His death is very tragic.”
DGP Kerala Loknath Behera also expressed shock and condolence.
IG Jammu Mukesh Singh flew down to Delhi on Friday to be by his side during his final hours. Singh told India Today, “SK Sir was a flag bearer for the NIA, a father figure for all the new inductees and the Chattan who would protect everyone.”
GP Singh, ADG (law and order) in Assam tweeted “A sad day. We lost Sri Sanjeev Kumar Singh IPS 1987 batch to Dengue today. My mentor at @NIA_India he would always remain in thoughts. Rest in peace Sir.”
An SP rank officer in NIA said “Sir was truly “a Chattan” (a rock). I had several arguments with him, but he would never mind it. when he wrote my Annual Confidential Report (ACR), it never reflected, instead he heaped praise. He was very professional and personally too he was magnanimous.
The National Investigation Agency also condoled his death.
“NIA Condoles Sad and Untimely Demise of Shri Sanjeev Kumar Singh IPS (1987 MP). Shri S. K. Singh served NIA for 7 years and stood for an indomitable spirit of Professionalism, Honesty and Commitment. May His Soul Rest in Peace,” NIA tweeted.
