Major Administrative Reshuffle Sees 11 IPS Officers Transferred in Himachal Pradesh
In a significant administrative overhaul, the Himachal Pradesh Government has ordered the transfer and posting of 11 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, including the Superintendents of Police for four crucial police districts. The reshuffle, executed on Thursday, represents one of the most substantial police administrative movements in the state recently.
New Leadership for Key Police Districts
Gaurav Singh, a 2013-batch IPS officer previously serving as SP Solan, has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police for Shimla. He takes over from Sanjeev Gandhi, a DIG-rank officer, who has now been reassigned to the Department of Personnel. This key appointment places an experienced officer at the helm of the state capital's police force.
The Solan district will now be under the command of Tiramaluraju S D Verma, a 2020-batch IPS officer who was previously serving as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor. This marks a significant step up for the relatively new officer, placing him in charge of a major district.
In Mandi district, Sakshi Verma, the 2014-batch IPS officer who was serving as SP, has been transferred to head the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and State Vigilance wing in Mandi. Her replacement is Vinod Kumar, a 2006-batch Himachal Pradesh Police Services (HPPS) officer who was previously serving as AIG (Traffic, Traffic & Railways).
Sachin Hiremath, another 2020-batch IPS officer, has been posted as SP Una. Prior to this assignment, he was serving in the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the State Vigilance wing, bringing specialized experience to his new district command role.
Senior-Level Appointments and Strategic Postings
At the Inspector General level, the reshuffle includes strategic appointments aimed at strengthening specialized police functions. Abhishek Dullar, a 2006-batch IPS officer, has been transferred and posted as IGP, Communication and Technical Services, a critical role in modern policing infrastructure.
D K Chaudhary, a 2008-batch IPS officer, has been given the charge of IGP, Armed Police and Training, based in Daroh within Kangra district. This posting places him in command of armed police forces and training facilities, essential components of state security.
Administrative Context and Official Coordination
The transfer orders were issued by Officiating Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta following consultations with Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari. This coordination between the state administration and police leadership ensured the reshuffle was conducted with strategic oversight.
Official sources indicate that further postings and adjustments among remaining officers were also notified as part of the same comprehensive transfer order. The extensive nature of these movements suggests a thorough review of police administration across multiple levels.
Purpose and Implications of the Reshuffle
This major administrative exercise is viewed as part of routine efforts to strengthen policing and enhance administrative efficiency across districts and specialized wings of the Himachal Pradesh police force. By rotating officers through different assignments, the government aims to:
- Bring fresh perspectives to key police districts
- Develop broader experience among police leadership
- Strengthen specialized units like the Anti-Corruption Bureau
- Optimize officer placement based on skills and experience
The timing of these transfers, coming early in the year, allows the newly appointed officers to establish themselves in their roles and implement any necessary operational adjustments. With new leadership in Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and Una districts, residents can expect continuity in law enforcement while potentially benefiting from new approaches to policing challenges.
This reshuffle affects approximately 20% of the state's senior IPS officers, making it one of the most comprehensive police administrative movements in Himachal Pradesh in recent years. The changes reflect ongoing efforts to maintain an effective, responsive police force capable of addressing both routine law enforcement and specialized security needs across the mountainous state.
