New Delhi: In a major reshuffle of IAS and IPS officers of the AGMUT cadre, IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar has been transferred back to Delhi from Ladakh. Khirwar, a 1994-batch officer, had earlier made headlines for the controversial “dog-walking incident” at Delhi’s Thyagraj Stadium, which led to his transfer to Ladakh.
The Thyagraj Stadium Controversy
The incident, dating back to 2022, involved allegations that athletes training at Delhi’s Thyagraj Stadium were being forced to vacate the track early—by 7:00 PM—so that Khirwar and his IAS wife, Rinku Dugga, could walk their dog.
A coach and some athletes claimed the restriction disrupted their training schedules. Khirwar denied the allegations, admitting he occasionally walked his dog at the stadium but stated that it did not interfere with athletes’ routines.
A video of the confrontation went viral, prompting widespread criticism from the public and political leaders. Following the controversy, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) transferred Khirwar to Ladakh and his wife to Arunachal Pradesh, where she was later given compulsory retirement in 2023.
In response to the incident, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered that all government sports complexes remain open for athletes until 10 PM, ensuring uninterrupted training for sportspeople.
Recent AGMUT Cadre Reshuffle
The MHA recently issued a large-scale transfer order covering IAS and IPS officers of the AGMUT cadre, including postings across Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar, Puducherry, Chandigarh, and Mizoram.
Key postings include:
- Ashwani Kumar, IAS (1992): Delhi → Jammu & Kashmir
- Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS (1994): Ladakh → Delhi
- Santosh D Vaidya, IAS (1998): Jammu & Kashmir → Delhi
- Ajit Kumar Singla, IPS (2004): Puducherry → Delhi
- Mangesh Kashyap, IPS (2009): Delhi → Arunachal Pradesh
The reshuffle covers 31 IAS officers and 18 IPS officers, reflecting strategic adjustments across Union Territories and sensitive state postings.
About IAS Sanjeev Khirwar
- Batch & Cadre: 1994, AGMUT
- Date of Birth: November 29, 1971
- Birthplace: Delhi
Education:
- B.Tech in Computer Science from IIT Delhi (1989–1993)
- M.A. in Economics
Family: Married to Rinku Dugga, also a 1994-batch IAS officer
Career Highlights
- Early Career: First posting as SDM (Junior Scale) in Chandigarh
- State Postings: Senior roles in Goa (Excise and Finance Commissioner), Arunachal Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Central Deputation (2009–2014): Private Secretary to Union Minister for Women and Child Development
- Delhi Government: Held major portfolios including Principal Secretary (Revenue), Divisional Commissioner, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, Finance, and Environment
Ladakh (2022–2026): Served as Principal Secretary overseeing School Education, Health, and Science & Technology
The Road Ahead
With the transfer back to Delhi, Khirwar is expected to take charge as Principal Secretary of the Health Department. Observers note that this posting signals trust in his administrative capabilities despite the earlier controversy, reflecting the government’s confidence in his experience and expertise.
