IPS Rajendra Meena Appointed Police Observer for Sonipat Civic Polls; Daily Hearings to Strengthen Transparency
With the Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for May 10, the Haryana State Election Commission has intensified preparations to ensure free, fair, and fear-free polling. In a significant step toward strengthening law and order during the electoral process, 2011-batch IPS officer Rajendra Kumar Meena has been appointed as the Police Observer for the Sonipat civic polls.
Observer Office Established at DCRUST
District Electoral Officer and Deputy Commissioner Neha Singh confirmed that the Police Observer’s office has been set up at the rest house of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST). This facility will serve as the central hub for addressing election-related complaints, monitoring security arrangements, and coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth conduct of polling.
Daily Public Hearings for Citizens
In a citizen-centric initiative aimed at boosting public confidence, Rajendra Kumar Meena will hold daily public hearings from 11 AM to 12 noon at the DCRUST rest house.
Voters and candidates can directly raise grievances.
Complaints will be addressed on the spot to ensure swift resolution.
The initiative is expected to enhance transparency and build trust in the electoral process.
Helpline Issued for Complaints
To further strengthen accountability, the administration has released an official helpline number: 74194-10501. Citizens can use this number to report:
Model Code of Conduct violations
Electoral malpractice
Security-related emergencies
Authorities have warned that any attempt at intimidation, disruption, or unlawful activity will invite strict legal action.
Enhanced Security Measures
Police teams have already been deployed across sensitive and vulnerable polling locations. Strict vigilance is being maintained to prevent untoward incidents, with special focus on ensuring that voters can exercise their franchise without fear or pressure.
Profile of IPS Rajendra Kumar Meena
Rajendra Kumar Meena, a 2011-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, is known for his expertise in law enforcement, IT systems, and command operations.
Career Highlights:
Served as SP (Information Technology) in Panchkula.
Commandant, 5th Battalion Haryana Armed Police (Madhuban).
SP Commando, Newal (Karnal).
Recently promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), as per reports in 2025.
Past Controversy:
In 2023, Meena was involved in a dispute related to a five-year debarment from central deputation by the Ministry of Home Affairs after he reportedly did not join an assigned post. Despite this, he continued serving within Haryana and has since regained prominence in state policing.
Focus on Free and Fair Elections
The appointment of a senior IPS officer as Police Observer underscores the administration’s commitment to:
Ensuring peaceful polling.
Preventing electoral malpractices.
Building voter trust through structured grievance redressal.
With daily hearings, a dedicated helpline, and enhanced security arrangements, the authorities aim to conduct the Sonipat Municipal Corporation elections in a transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly manner.
This move reflects Haryana’s broader effort to strengthen democratic processes by combining strong law enforcement with accessible grievance mechanisms, ensuring that the upcoming civic polls are conducted in a fair and orderly environment.
