Lucknow/Jammu: Dawa Sherpa, a distinguished Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1991 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre and widely respected for his integrity, discipline and people-centric policing style, passed away in Jammu on Monday after a brief illness. He was 64.
Sherpa, who retired as Additional Director General (ADG) of Police in 2022, was staying with his son, Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir, when he breathed his last. His demise has triggered an outpouring of grief across police and administrative circles, with colleagues remembering him as a “gentle yet firm” officer who upheld the highest standards of public service throughout his career.
A Distinguished Career in Uttar Pradesh Police
A native of Rimbick in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Dawa Sherpa built an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades in the Uttar Pradesh Police.
After joining the Indian Police Service as a direct recruit, he served as Superintendent of Police (SP) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in several sensitive and challenging districts across Uttar Pradesh. His postings included Azamgarh, Muzaffarnagar, Sonbhadra, Bhadohi, Sultanpur, Sitapur and Kushinagar.
Throughout his tenure, Sherpa earned a reputation for maintaining law and order through a balanced approach that combined firmness with accessibility. Officers who worked with him often described him as an administrator who believed in connecting with people while ensuring strict enforcement of the law.
Rose to the Rank of Additional Director General
Over the years, Sherpa climbed the ranks of the police hierarchy and eventually became an Additional Director General (ADG) of Police.
One of the most notable milestones of his career was his role as the first ADG of the Gorakhpur Zone, where he helped strengthen policing and administrative coordination across the region.
At the time of his retirement in 2022, he was serving as ADG, Crime Branch Crime Investigation Department (CBCID), Lucknow. In this capacity, he supervised several sensitive criminal investigations and played a crucial role in strengthening investigative mechanisms within the department.
Brief Political Chapter
Sherpa’s career also witnessed a brief detour into politics.
In 2008, while serving in the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) in Sitapur, he sought voluntary retirement with the intention of participating in public life in his native Darjeeling region. During this period, he served as Working President of the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL) and also held responsibilities within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal.
However, his request for voluntary retirement was not accepted by the government. Consequently, he returned to active police service in 2012 and continued serving until his superannuation.
Education and Background
Born in Darjeeling, Sherpa held a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree and a diploma from the National Fire Academy (NFA).
His educational background, coupled with extensive field experience, helped shape his reputation as a capable administrator and professional police officer.
Family of Civil Servants
Dawa Sherpa is survived by his wife Punam, daughter Mallika, and son Minga Sherpa.
His son, Minga Sherpa, is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir. His daughter-in-law, Ayushi Sudan, is also an IAS officer and presently serves as Deputy Commissioner of Samba district in Jammu & Kashmir.
The veteran IPS officer had been staying with his son in Jammu when he fell ill.
Omar Abdullah Expresses Condolences
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over Sherpa’s demise and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
Police officers, retired colleagues and civil servants from across the country also paid tribute to the former ADG, recalling his professionalism, humility and commitment to public service.
Last Rites in Darjeeling
According to family sources, Sherpa’s last rites will be performed in Darjeeling, where relatives, friends and former colleagues are expected to gather to pay their final respects.
His passing marks the end of a distinguished chapter in Indian policing. Remembered for his integrity, administrative acumen and people-friendly approach, Dawa Sherpa leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire police officers and public servants alike.
