In a prestigious ceremony marking Republic Day, Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, the Director General of Police (DGP) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was honoured with the President's Medal for Distinguished Service. The award was presented by Admiral DK Joshi (Retired), the Lieutenant Governor and Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency (IDA), during an event held at Sri Vijaya Puram, as confirmed by an official release from the Andaman and Nicobar Police.
A Distinguished Career in Law Enforcement
Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, a 1997-batch IPS officer from the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, has built a remarkable career in policing. His tenure is marked by significant contributions to national security and crime investigation, earning him this high honour on Republic Day.
Notable High-Profile Cases
Dhaliwal is widely recognised for his role in cracking several high-profile cases that have captured public attention across India. These include the murders of journalist Soumya Vishwanathan, Delhi University student Radhika Tanwar, and IT firm employee Jigisha Ghosh, as well as the investigation into the Delhi serial blasts. His expertise in handling complex criminal investigations has been a cornerstone of his service.
Key Role in Sidhu Moosewala Murder Investigation
One of Dhaliwal's most notable achievements in recent years was his pivotal involvement in the investigation of the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. Moosewala, a celebrated Indian singer and rapper, was tragically killed on May 29, 2022, in Jawaharke village, Punjab. This case drew extensive national and international media coverage, highlighting Dhaliwal's leadership and operational skills in high-stakes scenarios.
Educational Background and Early Life
Hailing from Patiala, Dhaliwal is an alumnus of Punjab Public School in Nabha and Panjab University in Chandigarh. He further enhanced his qualifications by completing degrees in MBA and LLB before joining the Indian Police Service (IPS). This strong academic foundation has complemented his practical experience in law enforcement.
Exemplary Leadership and Anti-Terror Operations
According to the Andaman and Nicobar Police release, Dhaliwal is celebrated for his exemplary leadership, operational expertise, and distinguished service, particularly in the domains of anti-terror operations and organised crime. His strategic vision has been instrumental in advancing public safety and security measures.
International Collaborations and Major Arrests
Dhaliwal's career is also distinguished by successful international collaborations. He led the Special Cell in India's first case involving the arrest of a desperate fugitive, Deepak Boxer, from Mexico, which was coordinated with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Additionally, his supervision and coordination efforts led to the arrest of Rajwinder Singh, one of the most wanted individuals with a reward of 1 million dollars offered by the Australian Government in the Toyah Cordingley case.
Contributions as DGP of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In his current role as DGP of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dhaliwal has overseen critical investigations, including the seizure of the largest quantity of methamphetamine in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard in November 2004. This operation underscores his commitment to combating drug trafficking and enhancing maritime security.
Previously, Dhaliwal was awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry, further attesting to his bravery and dedication to duty. The President's Medal for Distinguished Service adds to his accolades, recognising his lifelong commitment to upholding law and order in India.
