New Delhi/Chandigarh: In a significant bureaucratic reshuffle, the Centre has approved the premature repatriation of 1992-batch IPS officer Harpreet Singh Sidhu to his parent cadre of Punjab, reigniting speculation over possible changes at the top of the state’s police hierarchy.
The repatriation order, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, follows Sidhu’s personal request and comes under Para-14.1 of the IPS Tenure Policy. He was serving as Additional Director General (ADG) in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and has now returned to Punjab, where he previously headed key roles including the Anti-Drug Special Task Force (STF) and Prisons Department.
“The competent authority has approved the premature repatriation of Harpreet Singh Sidhu, IPS (PB:1992), ADG, ITBP to his parent cadre with immediate effect, at his own request,” the MHA order stated.
Seniority Over Incumbent DGP Fuels Speculation
Sidhu’s return comes at a politically sensitive time and is being closely watched within bureaucratic and political circles. The current Punjab DGP, Gaurav Yadav, also belongs to the 1992 IPS batch but Sidhu is senior in the official gradation list.
Sidhu’s retirement is due on May 31, 2027, while Gaurav Yadav will superannuate in April 2029.
Both officers are seen as capable, with long careers in law enforcement and leadership roles, especially in challenging postings.
Given Sidhu’s seniority and return ahead of the 2027 assembly polls, observers are speculating whether a leadership change could be on the cards in the state police force.
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Tenure in ITBP and Legacy in Punjab
Sidhu served a four-year tenure with ITBP and earlier held multiple high-impact roles in Punjab, including:
- ADGP of Punjab’s Special Task Force (STF) against drugs
- ADGP (Prisons)
- Special Principal Secretary to the CM
- CRPF Officer in Naxal-hit regions of Chhattisgarh
Sidhu was initially repatriated from CRPF to Punjab in 2017 by then Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, with the mandate to head the STF in a bid to eradicate the drug menace within four weeks, a key election promise at the time.
Despite spearheading notable drug crackdown efforts, his tenure saw turbulence. In 2018, he was removed as STF chief amid reported friction with then DGP Suresh Arora, and reassigned as Principal Secretary to the CM. He was later reappointed to the STF in 2019.
What’s Next for Sidhu?
While there is no official word on his next assignment, insiders indicate that the Punjab government could soon announce a new role for Sidhu, potentially signaling a reshuffle or elevation. His extensive experience in anti-drug operations, prison reforms, and counter-insurgency makes him a strong contender for future leadership roles, including that of the DGP Punjab Police.
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