DGP Rishiraj Singh to retire on July 31, to continue in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Jail DGP Rishiraj Singh will retire from service on Saturday. The IPS officer made headlines in Kerala for his efforts to curb irregularities in check posts by disguising as cleaner in a lorry and playing a major role in encouraging Keralites to use helmets and seat belts.

The official from Rajasthan turned a complete Malayali while serving in Kerala. Even after retiring from service, Rishiraj Singh is planning to settle in the 'God's Own Country' as a ‘Mallu Singh’.

The official who is fondly called ‘Meesha’ and ‘Singh’ by Keralites revealed that he is looking for a rented house in Poojapura.

Rishiraj Singh, a 1985 batch IPS officier, started his career as Punaloor ACP. He also served in SPG and CBI on central government’s deputation.

In Kerala, he served in many posts including Transport Commissioner, KSEB Chief Vigilance Officer and Excise Commissioner.

He is retiring from the post of jail DGP after executing a number of renovation works in jails across the state. Under his leadership, the department took strict action to ensure discipline in jails.

Rishiraj Singh gained more public attention while serving as commissioner in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. His efforts to control the history-sheeters also recieved wide publicity.

The reforms and inspections introduced by Rishiraj Singh as transport commissioner were significant to reduce the number of road accidents in the state.

He stepped down from the post of excise commissioner after taking strict action against the drug mafia.

As a writer, Rishiraj Singh also penned articles on drug abuse among children. Recently Mathrubhumi Books published his book titled ‘ Vaikum Munbe’.

“People know most of the incidents during my service period. So I don’t have any plans to write a service story. I think it is not ethical to disclose the secrets after retiring from service,” said Rishiraj Singh.

At the same time, he added that he is planning to write a book on the renovation of jails.

His family include wife Durgeswari, son Chakrasal Singh, an animator in Canada and daughter Yasodhara, a psychologist at a school in Jaipur.