From leading massive crowd-control operations like the Kumbh Mela to chasing cybercriminals and solving war crimes, IPS Dr. Ravinder Singal’s journey offers a rare window into the complex world of Indian policing. In a candid interview, he outlines the evolving crime landscape, mental resilience, and leadership strategies critical to the role of a modern IPS officer.

Changing Crime Patterns: The Cybercrime Explosion

Dr. Singal notes that while traditional crimes like robbery and assault persist, there is an alarming rise in cybercrimes and economic frauds. Criminals now exploit social media and internet tools to deceive, blackmail, or extort victims. One particularly disturbing method involves video call extortion, where a caller feigns intimacy on WhatsApp, records the victim, and then impersonates crime officials to extort money.

Everyday Policing and Complex Challenges

Dr. Singal explains that IPS officers routinely handle an array of cases ranging from missing children to cyber extortion and mental health-triggered violence. One notable example was reuniting a lost child with her parents during Guru Gobind Singh Ji's 300th celebration. His team tracked the child from Nanded to Mumbai, rescuing her from her abductors.

Such cases are not just about law enforcement but about understanding emotions, being empathetic, and thinking on one's feet. His decisions often hinge on real-time collaboration and deep empathy for the people involved.

Mental Preparation, Meditation & Visualization

To sustain himself physically and mentally, Dr. Singal practices daily meditation and visualization. He uses breathing techniques like Anulom Vilom and Bramari to manage anxiety and stay sharp. Visualization, according to him, is not wishful thinking but strategic mental mapping. He cites the Reticular Activation System (RAS) as crucial in filtering one’s thoughts and actions based on belief systems.

This mental discipline has helped him complete extreme events like the 643 km Deccan Cliffhanger cycling challenge and the Ironman triathlon at age 50. Despite his demanding job, he trained himself mentally to finish these feats with minimal physical prep.

Learning from the Ground: Kumbh Mela Leadership

Managing the 2003 Kumbh Mela in Nashik was a turning point. Faced with massive crowds and the risk of stampedes, Dr. Singal’s openness to suggestions helped prevent disasters. A volunteer's timely advice to open two exit gates showcased the importance of listening—even to non-officials.

His humility and readiness to act reflect core leadership principles. He highlights that leadership isn't about titles but about accountability and adaptability.

UN Mission and War Crimes: A Global Lens

During his tenure at the UN Mission in Kosovo, Dr. Singal led the War Crimes Investigation Unit. He worked on genocide cases, investigated atrocities, and collaborated with local and global forces. One standout case involved tracing three headless bodies and navigating complex language and cultural barriers. It was an experience that tested every ounce of his investigative and administrative skill.

Cybercrime Awareness: Education Before Enforcement

After witnessing how cyber threats personally impacted even his own family, Dr. Singal launched the 'Cyber Ambassador' initiative. Involving law and engineering students, this project educated millions across Nashik and was later adopted by Delhi Police.

From fake Instagram accounts to hacked WhatsApp messages, he stresses that awareness is the most powerful form of cyber defense.

The Role of National Identity in Policing

Dr. Singal believes that playing the National Anthem in cinema halls is vital. He sees it as a respectful reminder of the freedom struggle, a practice that instills national pride in a distracted generation.

Police vs Bollywood: Setting the Record Straight

He also calls out the unrealistic portrayal of police in films, referencing a Salman Khan movie where an officer drinks and dances on duty. He believes such scenes undermine public trust in law enforcement and portray a dangerous illusion.

From cybercrime to global missions and Ironman races, IPS Dr. Ravinder Singal is redefining what it means to wear the khaki. His message is clear: leadership demands empathy, resilience, and vision, whether you're managing a riot, solving a cybercrime, or cycling across the Western Ghats.