Punjab Govt Reshuffles Top Police Brass: Four Senior Officers, Including Two IPS, Assigned to Strategic Anti-Narcotics, Vigilance & Counter-Intelligence Posts
In a major administrative overhaul aimed at reinforcing Punjab’s law-enforcement machinery, the state government has transferred four senior police officers—including two IPS officers recently back from central deputation and a United Nations posting—to critical operational roles. The orders, issued with immediate effect, were approved by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Alok Shekhar and formally circulated under the signature of Under Secretary Kuldeep Singh Ghuman.
Key Reassignments Announced
Kaustubh Sharma, IPS (RR–2001)
Returned to the state after completing a United Nations assignment, Sharma has been appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), headquartered in SAS Nagar (Mohali). His new role places him at the helm of Punjab’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking networks, a sector that remains one of the state’s highest policing priorities.
Aashish Chaudhary, IPS (RR–2003)
Following his repatriation from central deputation, Chaudhary has been posted as Inspector General (IG), Counter Intelligence, Punjab, also based in SAS Nagar. His assignment is crucial for strengthening intelligence-driven operations, cross-border surveillance, and counter-infiltration measures.
Varinder Singh Brar, PPS
Brar, who was serving as AIG Provisioning in Chandigarh, has had his services transferred to the Vigilance Bureau, where he will receive a new posting. His reassignment is part of the state’s broader efforts to intensify anti-corruption oversight across departments.
Jagat Preet Singh, PPS (TP/113)
Previously awaiting a suitable assignment, Singh’s services have likewise been placed at the Vigilance Bureau, marking a coordinated move to reinforce the bureau’s operational strength and investigatory capability.
Immediate Compliance Mandated
All four officers have been instructed to assume their new responsibilities without delay. The government has distributed copies of the orders to key authorities, including the Director General of Police, the Chief Director of the Vigilance Bureau, and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, ensuring seamless administrative transition.
Why the Reshuffle Matters
Senior officials noted that although transfers are a routine part of police administration, this particular set of postings is strategically aligned to improve Punjab’s performance in crucial sectors such as:
Anti-narcotics enforcement, especially against organized drug syndicates
Counter-intelligence and border-linked operations, given Punjab’s sensitive geopolitical context
Vigilance and anti-corruption mechanisms, vital for maintaining administrative integrity
The reshuffle reflects the state government’s continued priority to strengthen specialized policing units and enhance operational efficiency in areas impacting public safety and internal security.
