Chandigarh: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has sought detailed information from the Punjab government regarding pending cases against senior IPS officers, ahead of a crucial empanelment committee meeting to shortlist candidates for the post of regular Director General of Police (DGP) in Punjab.
The clarification request is seen as an important step in the selection process for one of the state’s top policing positions.
Focus on 1992-Batch IPS Officer Sharad Satya Chauhan
The UPSC has specifically asked for the “present status of pending cases” against Sharad Satya Chauhan, who is currently serving as Director of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau.
Chauhan is the most senior among 14 IPS officers whose names were sent by the Punjab government to UPSC on April 6 for consideration in the DGP panel.
The commission raised the query on May 15, just days after a CBI operation on May 11 at the Punjab Vigilance Bureau headquarters in Mohali in connection with an alleged bribery case involving Chauhan’s reader, Inspector O P Singh Rana. The inspector is currently absconding while three suspects have been arrested.
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CBI Raid Triggers Fresh Scrutiny in DGP Selection Process
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) action has intensified scrutiny in the ongoing DGP selection process.
Following the raid, Sharad Satya Chauhan had stated that private individuals were arrested in the case and assured full cooperation with the investigation.
According to sources, UPSC has now asked for supporting documents and the latest status of all complaints and cases linked to him, even though basic details were earlier submitted by the Punjab government in its annexures.
UPSC Questions Leave and Service Status of Another Senior IPS Officer
In a separate query, UPSC has also sought clarification regarding Kuldeep Singh, another 1992-batch officer included in the 14-member panel.
The commission has asked why he was on half-pay leave from February 23 to October 16. He is currently serving as Special DGP, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), with superannuation scheduled for December 31 this year.
As per service rules, any officer appointed as DGP is required to have a minimum tenure of two years, irrespective of retirement timelines.
Punjab Government Seeks Detailed Inputs from DGP Office
Following UPSC’s queries, the Punjab Home Department has directed the office of the state DGP to furnish detailed responses and supporting documents regarding the officers in question.
Officials said the information will be compiled and sent back to UPSC before the empanelment committee meets to finalise the shortlist of three officers for the top police post.
DGP Selection Process Hinges on Pending Case Verification
The development highlights the importance of vigilance clearance and case status verification in high-level police appointments.
With UPSC seeking additional clarity, the final decision on Punjab’s next DGP is expected to depend significantly on the outcome of these pending case reviews and administrative checks.
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