Daijiworld Media Network- Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Feb 18: A significant reshuffle in Punjab’s police force is on the horizon as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann tightens his grip following the AAP’s defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections.
Control over the state police has often been a key indicator of political authority within the ruling party, and the latest developments reflect the growing power struggle within the AAP leadership.
In his first major move after the Delhi poll results on February 8, CM Mann issued a strong warning to police chiefs across commissionerates and districts. He emphasized the need for improved law enforcement and accountability, cautioning officers against inefficiency and misconduct.
A key concern raised during his meeting with senior police officials was the alleged filing of false FIRs in several districts. Sources suggest that multiple AAP MLAs have complained about police high-handedness, leading to politically motivated cases.
The misuse of police machinery for lodging false FIRs is not new to Punjab politics. Between 2003 and 2017, both Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) were accused of using law enforcement to target opponents, resulting in thousands of politically motivated cases. The issue even prompted former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to intervene to de-escalate tensions.
When Capt. Amarinder Singh took over as Chief Minister in 2017, he formed a commission to investigate and recommend action against false FIRs, along with compensating victims. Now, with Mann’s crackdown, district police chiefs are on high alert for corruption-related complaints, as the CM has made it clear that officers will be held accountable for their actions.
The first major action under the new directive was taken in Faridkot, where police booked a Station House Officer (SHO) for allegedly extorting money by falsely implicating a scrap dealer.
Meanwhile, tensions are brewing within the AAP as MLAs express dissatisfaction with certain district police officials. Some officers have been accused of disrespecting MLAs and disregarding requests forwarded by them. Party legislators have reportedly pushed for greater influence over police postings and have conveyed their concerns to AAP’s Delhi leadership.
Following the transfer of DGP Vigilance Varinder Kumar on Monday, speculation is rife that a large-scale reshuffle is imminent. The last major overhaul of Punjab’s police leadership took place in August 2024, when 14 Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) were transferred after the Lok Sabha elections.
With growing discontent and a push for internal reforms, Punjab’s police force is bracing for another major shake-up in the coming days.