The Repatriation Fuels Speculation Over DGP Appointment 1992-Batch Officer Returns from ITBP; Senior to Incumbent DGP Gaurav Yadav
In a notable bureaucratic development, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the premature repatriation of 1992-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Harpreet Singh Sidhu to his parent cadre of Punjab. The move has reignited speculation about potential changes at the helm of the state’s police leadership.
The repatriation, granted under Para-14.1 of the IPS Tenure Policy, was made at Sidhu’s personal request. Until now, he was serving as Additional Director General (ADG) in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Sidhu has previously held several high-profile positions in Punjab, including heading the Anti-Drug Special Task Force (STF) and the Prisons Department.
“The competent authority has approved the premature repatriation of Harpreet Singh Sidhu, IPS (PB:1992), ADG, ITBP to his parent cadre with immediate effect, at his own request,” the official order stated.
Seniority Dynamics Stir Leadership Speculation
Sidhu’s return comes at a politically charged moment and is being closely monitored within both bureaucratic and political circles. Although the current Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, also belongs to the 1992 batch, Sidhu holds seniority in the official gradation list.
Sidhu is slated to retire on May 31, 2027, while Yadav’s superannuation is scheduled for April 2029. Both officers are regarded as highly competent, with extensive experience in law enforcement and leadership across complex terrains.
Given Sidhu’s seniority and timing of his return—just ahead of the 2027 assembly elections—speculation is mounting over a possible reshuffle at the top of Punjab’s police force.
Tenure at ITBP and Legacy in Punjab
During his four-year stint with ITBP, Sidhu gained valuable experience in paramilitary operations. Prior to that, he held several impactful roles in Punjab, including:
- ADGP, Special Task Force (STF) against drugs
- ADGP, Prisons
- Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister
- CRPF Officer in Naxal-affected regions of Chhattisgarh
Sidhu was first repatriated from the CRPF to Punjab in 2017 by then Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, tasked with leading the STF to combat the state’s drug crisis—a key electoral promise. While his efforts in drug enforcement were widely noted, his tenure was not without controversy. In 2018, he was removed as STF chief amid reported tensions with then DGP Suresh Arora and reassigned as Principal Secretary to the CM. He was later reinstated to the STF in 2019.
What Lies Ahead for Sidhu?
Although no official announcement has been made regarding Sidhu’s next posting, sources suggest that the Punjab government may soon assign him a new role—potentially signaling a shift in the state’s police leadership. His extensive background in narcotics enforcement, prison reform, and counter-insurgency operations positions him as a strong contender for top-level appointments, including the coveted post of DGP, Punjab Police.
As the political landscape evolves and administrative priorities shift, Sidhu’s return could mark a turning point in Punjab’s law enforcement strategy.
