Bishnoi’s Arresting Officer and Shera Khubhan Encounter Veteran Returns to Lead Law Enforcement in Punjab Heartland
Patiala (Punjab): In a notable administrative posting, IPS officer Kuldeep Chahal (2009 batch, Punjab cadre) has officially assumed charge as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patiala Range. Known for his operational grit and impactful field leadership, Chahal’s return to Patiala signals a renewed focus on law enforcement, strategic crime control, and community engagement across the region.
Career Forged in Action and Commendation
Born in Ujhana village, Jind district (Haryana), Chahal’s journey from agrarian roots to senior ranks in the Indian Police Service reflects unwavering resilience. He began his policing career in 2005 as an Assistant Sub-Inspector with Chandigarh Police and secured All India Rank 82 in the 2009 UPSC exam.
His early years in the IPS were marked by high-impact operations, including:
The Shera Khubhan encounter in Bathinda (2012), which brought him widespread recognition.
The 2014 arrest of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while serving as SP Abohar — a landmark in Punjab’s anti-organized crime efforts.
He later led crackdowns against Bishnoi’s associates, including Ankit Bhaddu and Sunil Masih, during his tenure in Mohali.
In acknowledgment of his courage and field command, Chahal received:
The Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG)
The Director General’s Commendation Disc (2018)
Key Leadership Roles and Field Tenure
Chahal has held several critical district-level positions, including as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in:
Mohali
Tarn Taran
Muktsar Sahib
He was SSP of Chandigarh from October 2020 to December 2022, and later appointed Commissioner of Police in:
Jalandhar
Ludhiana (from November 2023), where he emphasized crime control, traffic enforcement, and inclusive policing.
Though his Chandigarh stint was marred by a CBI inquiry linked to a businessman’s complaint, his continued deployment to leadership posts underscores institutional confidence in his policing record.
DIG Mandate: Regional Crime Coordination and Public Trust
As DIG Patiala Range, Chahal’s jurisdiction spans Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, and Malerkotla. His agenda includes:
Strengthening law and order protocols
Enhancing inter-district intelligence coordination
Promoting community-oriented policing initiatives
With his reputation for field responsiveness and grassroots engagement, Chahal is expected to bolster administrative coherence and public faith in law enforcement across central Punjab.
