April 21: Colonel Kipchu Namgyel is the new Chief of Police. He formally assumed office on Saturday, April 19.

He succeeds Colonel Sonam Thondup who retired after 35 years of service. Born in 1955, Colonel Kipchu Namgyel is from Shari in Paro.

He has a Bachelors of Arts degree from Punjab University in Chandigarh, India. He joined the Royal Bhutan Police in 1980.

In a career spanning over 27 years, he has served in various posts in the Royal Bhutan Police. He headed the special branch of the police since 1989. He was promoted to the rank of colonel in 2006.

He was awarded the Drakpoi Thuksay Medal in December 1992 for meritorious service.