The Punjab Police, which has long been plagued by internal politics and factionalism, is now functioning like a team to ensure that law and order in this volatile border state are maintained. Under the leadership of DGP Gaurav Yadav, the State Police has experienced a shift, with no visible traces of internal politics — a contrast to the divisions and rivalries that once the force witnessed.Appointed as the Punjab Police Chief in 2022, DGP Gaurav Yadav, who took over from DGP VK Bhawra, is known for his professional demeanour and lightning-fast decision-making. He has the ability to keep the larger picture in mind. The force’s ability to manage law and order, counter terrorism, and prevent violence is a direct result of coordination and efficiency.

From cross-border drone activities and drug smuggling from Pakistan to the rise of gangsters and radical elements, the state’s security situation is complex and volatile. Despite these challenges, the Punjab Police under DGP Yadav has managed to deliver results. In addition, the force has made significant strides in dismantling many gangster networks, ensuring public safety and security.

Looking back over the last 25 years of Punjab Police’s functioning, one can easily identify the turbulence that has historically divided the force. For instance, in 2002, when MS Bhullar was the DGP of Punjab, the Punjab police headquarters was divided, with key officers like Sumedh Singh Saini and AP Pandey in conflict, while the then ADGP (Administration) Izhar Alam and ADGP (IT&T) DR Bhatti had a tussle with ADG AK Attri, IG GD Pandey and IG RC Prasad.

The divisions continued during the tenure of DGP S.S. Virk, when tensions flared between him and IG (Intelligence) RP Singh on one side and IG (Operations) Sumedh Singh Saini on the other. The rivalry between Saini and his batchmates, including Sanjeev Gupta and Rajinder Singh, was another example of internal discord within the force.

Even after Saini became the Vigilance Chief and later the DGP of Punjab, issues within the police force were far from resolved. Similarly, under DGP Suresh Arora, infighting continued, with a tussle between DGP Arora and ADG Dinkar Gupta on one side and ADG Siddharth Chattopadhyaya on the other. These are just a few examples of the division that has long been a part of Punjab Police’s landscape. Needless to say, some of these officers have been stalwarts who played a big role in India’s fight against terrorism and maintaining peace in Punjab.

In stark contrast, under Gaurav Yadav’s leadership, the Punjab Police has functioned without visible disconnect or rivalry. Over the last two and a half years, the police force has consistently risen to the occasion, with his team of officers — including Special DG (Internal Security) RN Dhoke, Special DG (Law & Order) Arpit Shukla, ADG (AGTF) Pramod Ban, ADG (Counter Intelligence) Amit Prasad, ADGP (Intelligence) RK Jaiswal, various IGs, Police Commissioners, and SSPs — working together. All senior officers, led by DGP Yadav, hold a meeting almost every day on the phone to discuss the issues being faced by the state in terms of crime and law and order.

Over the past year, there had been occasional rumours within the Punjab Police headquarters that DGP Yadav might be replaced, with names like Chief Director (Vigilance) Virender Kumar or DGP (Home Guards) Sanjeev Kalra being floated by some quarters as potential contenders. However, these rumours proved to be unfounded, and Yadav’s position remains strong. For the moment, he has made his competitors shrink into a tactical shell, willing to strike, but afraid of hurting him.

At the same time, it cannot be denied that there are several other professionally competent officers in the Punjab police who could also prove to be good DGPs, given a chance.

Yadav’s handling of radical elements and their attempts to disrupt peace in the state has been commendable. By coordinating with central agencies, including the IB, NIA, and RAW, and maintaining a vigilant presence, the Punjab Police has been able to thwart several attempts to disturb the state’s peace and stability. In the past two years, the Punjab Police has conducted several operations that may not be known to the public but have been deeply appreciated by Central intelligence and investigative agencies.

One of the difficult moments of his career came during the pursuit of the radical pro-Khalistan separatist Amritpal Singh, who posed a significant threat to law and order in the state. Senior police officers who had been deputed to nab Amritpal lost track of his movement, and he slipped past the Punjab Police. Despite intense pressure from the Union Home Ministry to arrest Singh at any cost, Yadav remained calm and collected, absorbing the pressure himself rather than passing it on to his officers. Eventually, Amritpal was arrested. Yadav’s long-term vision for the Punjab Police also includes greater use of technology and further strengthening the force to tackle emerging security concerns effectively.

However, the DGP must know that the force is lacking accountability at the ground level, particularly within the police stations (thanas). The prevailing culture of corruption has created an environment where justice is often delayed or denied to the common man. In many cases, individuals who approach the police for help are met with indifference, neglect, or demands for bribes in exchange for basic services like filing an FIR or investigating a case. Many citizens find themselves victims of a system that prioritises personal gain over professional duty, leaving them without relief or redress. So, the DGP must direct the force to ensure transparency, strict supervision, and swift disciplinary actions against erring officials, especially serving in police stations to restore the faith of the people.

Unlike previous DGPs, who were often caught in political crossfire, DGP Yadav has maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with the state’s political leadership, the Chief Secretary, and the Department of Home & Justice, etc. In a state like Punjab, where political interference has often led to friction within the police force, Yadav has managed to navigate the delicate relationship between his professional work and meeting political requirements.

DGP Gaurav Yadav’s tenure is far from over. Recently, he was empanelled as Director General at the Government of India level. With a career that extends until 2029, Yadav has ample time to continue contributing to the Punjab Police force and, possibly, at the national level."DGP Yadav’s handling of radical elements and their attempts to disrupt peace in the state has been commendable. However, he must know that the police is lacking accountability at the ground level, particularly within thanas."