Patiala (Punjab): In a significant administrative development, IPS officer Kuldeep Chahal has officially taken charge as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patiala Range. A 2009 batch IPS officer of the Punjab cadre, Chahal brings with him a formidable record of crime control, operational leadership, and public engagement across several sensitive postings in the state.
A Career Defined by Action and Recognition
Born in Ujhana village, Jind district, Haryana, Chahal’s journey from a farmer’s family background to senior ranks in the Indian Police Service is marked by grit and distinction. He holds a B.A. from Kurukshetra University and an M.A. in History from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Beginning his policing career as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in 2005 with Chandigarh Police, he cracked the UPSC exam in 2009 with an All India Rank of 82 to join the IPS.
As a young officer, Chahal made headlines during the Shera Khubhan encounter in Bathinda (2012). In 2014, while serving as SP Abohar, he achieved a major breakthrough by arresting notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, a milestone in Punjab’s fight against organized crime.
His subsequent stints in Mohali included action against Bishnoi’s associate Ankit Bhaddu and Sunil Masih, reinforcing his image as a tough, field-oriented officer. For his bravery and operational excellence, Chahal received the Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) and the Director General’s Commendation Disc in 2018.
Read also: Punjab & Haryana High Court Converts Plea on Excess IPS Posts in Haryana Into PIL – Details Inside
Leadership Experience Across Challenging Postings
Chahal has previously served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in several critical districts:
- Mohali,
- Tarn Taran,
- Muktsar Sahib,
and Chandigarh (October 2020 – December 2022).
His Chandigarh tenure, though abbreviated due to administrative reshuffling, was eventful. He later took over as Commissioner of Police in Jalandhar and then in Ludhiana (November 2023), where he focused heavily on crime prevention, traffic control, and community policing.
His time in Chandigarh was not without controversy—he faced a CBI probe related to a complaint involving a businessman. However, he continued to command field responsibility and public visibility in subsequent postings, indicating continued confidence in his policing capabilities.
Mandate as DIG Patiala Range
Now as DIG of Patiala Range, Chahal’s jurisdiction covers Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, and Malerkotla districts. He is expected to:
- Strengthen law and order enforcement,
- Improve crime monitoring and inter-district coordination,
- Promote community-police partnerships, and
Enhance response capabilities in urban and rural areas alike.
His focus will likely include building public trust, countering organized criminal activities, and streamlining internal police functioning in line with modern policing standards.
Read also: Punjab: 8 IPS Transferred in Major Police Reshuffle, Satinder Singh Posted as DIG, Ludhiana Range
Rooted in His Homeland
Despite a demanding career, Chahal remains closely connected to his village roots. Through his non-governmental organization, he actively promotes environmental awareness, sports, and youth development initiatives in his native Ujhana.
