In a major administrative overhaul, Punjab Government on Friday executed a substantial reshuffle within its police department, following the recent Lok Sabha elections. The reshuffle involved the transfer of 28 senior police official, including 24 Indian Police Service (IPS) and four Punjab Police Service (PPS) officers, marking one of the most extensive changes in the state’s law enforcement hierarchy in recent memory. The reshuffle impacted the police leadership across 15 districts and includes alterations in the ranks of several range officers.
The reorganization aimed at addressing operational challenges and enhance the efficiency of the police force throughout the State. Key changes include new appointments for the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in no less than 15 crucial districts — Mohali, Patiala, Bathinda, Fazilka, Mansa, Moga, Malerkotla, Pathankot, Muktsar, Faridkot, Tarn Taran, Batala, Amritsar Rural, Khanna, and Jalandhar Rural.
The move underscored the Government's intent to revitalize police leadership and address pressing administrative and security concerns.
One of the significant appointments is that of Sandeep Kumar Garg, a 2012-batch IPS officer, who has been designated as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Intelligence in Punjab. Garg's new role will see him overseeing intelligence operations crucial for maintaining state security. Amneet Kondal, who previously served as Khanna SSP, is now the Bathinda district police chief. Kondal’s appointment is part of the broader strategy to streamline police operations and address local administrative needs more effectively.
Similarly, Varun Sharma, who was previously serving in provisioning roles, has been appointed as AIG Provisioning and will also oversee the Road Safety Force. Deepak Parik, formerly the SSP of Bathinda, has been moved to the role of SSP Mohali, replacing Garg. This move is expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the Mohali police administration.
The reshuffle also included several notable transfers, such as Bhagirath Singh Meena, who transitions from SSP Muktsar to SSP Mansa; and Pragya Jain, who moves from SSP Fazilka to SSP Faridkot. These appointments are part of the government’s broader effort to infuse new leadership into key positions across the state.
Suhail Qasim Mir, who was previously the SSP of Pathankot, has been appointed as the new SSP of Batala, replacing Ashwini Gotyal, who has been reassigned to a new role. Meanwhile, PPS officer Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh will assume the role of SSP Jalandhar Rural, taking over from his predecessor. These changes are intended to address regional security challenges and enhance local law enforcement capabilities.
Additional significant appointments include Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, a 2004-batch IPS officer who had been awaiting a new posting after his removal as Amritsar Police Commissioner. Bhullar is now appointed as the Inspector General (Provisioning). Rakesh Kaushal, a 2009-batch IPS officer previously stationed as Border Range DIG, will now serve as DIG Crime. Naveen Singla, also a 2009-batch IPS officer, transitions to DIG Jalandhar Range, while Satinder Singh, a 2010-batch IPS officer, will handle the role of DIG Border Range, Amritsar.
Punjab Government’s strategic reshuffle reflected its commitment to optimizing the state’s law enforcement resources and improving public safety. The reorganization aimed at addressing a variety of operational and administrative challenges faced by the police department, enhancing overall effectiveness and efficiency.
