Jaipur: The Rajasthan government on Thursday relieved two 2011 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officers – Arshad Ali (Superintendent of Police, Hanumangarh) and Sharad Choudhary (SP, Jhunjhunu) – both 2011 batch IPS officer, of their posts and placed them under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO).
In the interim, the responsibilities of both districts have been handed over to their respective Additional Superintendents of Police.
The move has raised concern within police circles, especially in Hanumangarh, a strategically sensitive district situated near the India-Pakistan border. The absence of a full-time SP at such a crucial juncture has triggered apprehension about potential operational gaps and has highlighted the urgency for a permanent replacement.
Senior police officials have underscored that Hanumangarh, due to its border proximity, requires robust and continuous leadership. “A full-time SP is essential for maintaining strategic oversight and ensuring security preparedness,” a senior officer said.
The administrative shuffle comes amid growing expectations for a broader IPS transfer list — a list that now appears to be delayed.
The uncertainty is compounded by the fact that six IPS officers, promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) on December 31, 2024, continue to function as SPs across various districts, pending official transfers.
These officers include:
- Anand Sharma (Jaipur Rural)
- Gaurav Yadav (Sriganganagar)
- Bhushan Bhuvan Yadav (Sikar)
- Sharad Choudhary (Jhunjhunu)
- Rajan Dushyant (Kotputli Behror)
- Arshad Ali (Hanumangarh)
With both Jhunjhunu and Hanumangarh now under temporary leadership, police administration in these areas is relying on stop-gap measures. However, insiders suggest the ad hoc arrangements may not suffice in the long term, especially in districts where national security considerations are involved.
Observers note that the delay in issuing a comprehensive transfer list, despite clear administrative needs and rank mismatches, is creating uncertainty and operational challenges within the police force.
What Does APO Mean?
An order to place an officer or employee on APO means they are required to report for attendance but are not assigned any specific duties or post. This status is also referred to as “awaiting orders” or “awaiting posting. APO stands for “Awaiting Posting Orders.” When an officer is placed on APO status, it means they have been relieved from their current position but have not yet been assigned a new posting. Although it is an administrative term, being placed on APO often sparks speculation, especially in high-profile cases, as it may be linked to disciplinary concerns, administrative reshuffles, or political decisions.
