Timeline & Milestones

1908
Born

Dharamnath Prasad Kohli was born in 1908, marking the beginning of a life that would later shape India’s investigative framework.

1930s
Joined Indian Police Service

In the 1930s, D. P. Kohli joined the Indian Police Service (IPS), beginning a distinguished law‐enforcement career known for integrity, discipline, and administrative excellence.

1963
Appointed First Director of CBI

In 1963, he became the founding Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), laying the institutional foundation for India’s premier investigative agency.

1963–1968
Strengthened National Investigation

During his five-year tenure as CBI Director, D. P. Kohli introduced modern investigative standards, professional ethics, and inter-agency coordination—transforming the CBI into a credible national institution.

1971
Passed Away

D. P. Kohli passed away in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of honesty, leadership, and commitment to combating corruption.

Annual
D. P. Kohli Memorial Lecture Instituted

To honour his contributions, the D. P. Kohli Memorial Lecture is held annually by the CBI. The lecture series brings together distinguished experts to discuss integrity, governance, and the future of investigation in India.

Chronological Overview

Police Service → DSPE → CBI → Post-CBI

Early Police Service

D. P. Kohli began his IPS career in the 1930s. His discipline, honesty and strong investigative skills built the foundation for his rise as one of India’s most respected police leaders.

 
Leadership in DSPE

Before CBI was established, he played a key leadership role in the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE). He strengthened systems, improved investigation standards, and prepared the ground for a national agency.

 
 
Founding the CBI (1963)

In 1963, he was appointed as the first Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation. He created the agency’s structure, ethics, training systems and the professional identity that shaped India’s premier investigative institution.

 
Service as CBI Director (1963–1968)

During his five-year tenure, he expanded coordination across states, modernized investigative techniques, promoted scientific methods and strengthened anti-corruption investigations nationwide.

 
Post-CBI Legacy

Even after retirement, the systems he introduced continued guiding the agency. The annual D. P. Kohli Memorial Lecture honours his lifelong contribution to integrity, governance and investigative excellence.

 

Key Events, Investigations & Institutional Developments

Major milestones under D. P. Kohli’s leadership that strengthened India’s investigative framework

Establishment of Professional Investigation Standards

D. P. Kohli introduced structured investigative procedures that became the foundation of CBI’s functioning. This included the adoption of documentation protocols, case-handling methods and systematic evidence collection.

Modernization of Anti-Corruption Operations

He strengthened the DSPE and later the CBI to focus on corruption in public offices. New techniques, preventive vigilance strategies and a scientific approach to case analysis were adopted under his leadership.

Expansion of Nationwide Jurisdiction

Under his leadership, CBI evolved from a Delhi-centric establishment to a national investigative agency with authority across states, improving coordination and ensuring impartial investigations.

Introduction of Training & Skill Development

Kohli set up training frameworks for officers, focusing on ethics, professionalism, forensic skills and case analysis. This built a new generation of trained investigators.

Institutional Structure of CBI (1963)

He designed the agency’s core divisions—anti-corruption, special crimes and economic offences—ensuring specialization and high-quality investigation of complex cases.

Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration

Coordination with state police forces, intelligence agencies and administrative departments improved transparency and teamwork in national-level investigations.

The Motto of CBI

“Industry, Impartiality and Integrity”—the guiding principles set by D. P. Kohli

Industry

The motto begins with “Industry,” capturing the value of hard work, commitment and persistence. D. P. Kohli believed that relentless effort and meticulous investigation were essential for delivering justice.

Impartiality

“Impartiality” emphasizes fairness and neutrality in investigations. Kohli insisted that CBI officers must remain free from influence—political, personal or institutional—to maintain the agency’s credibility.

Integrity

“Integrity” forms the core of the motto. To him, moral strength, honesty and ethical conduct were non-negotiable qualities for every investigating officer. This value continues to define CBI’s identity.

D. P. Kohli, the Founding Director of the CBI, was a visionary police leader who modernized India’s investigative system and became an enduring symbol of integrity and ethical governance.

Quick Links

Contact Us

Socail Links

Facebook X-twitter Instagram
Scroll to Top