Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) VK Bhawra
Chandigarh:
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) VK Bhavra has sought central deputation and applied for leave of two months in the interim. The development comes after two back-to-back incidents – the attack on the intelligence headquarters of the state police in Mohali and the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala.
The top police officer of the state is expected to go on leave from July 5.
In the wake of these incidents, the Bhagwant Man Singh government is facing criticism over the law and order situation.
In May, there was a rocket-propelled grenade or RPG attack on the intelligence headquarters of the state police in Mohali. Describing it as a minor blast, the Punjab Police said that the RPG was fired from the road and shattered the glasses of the Intelligence Headquarters.
Later in the same month, popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead, a day after his protective cover was withdrawn. Punjab Police said that the attack seems to be due to some gang war. Police also said that a Canadian gangster has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Punjab has seen four DGPs in the last 10 months.
Former AAP MLA Kanwar Sandhu tweeted, “Punjab will have its 4th DGP in less than a year, which does not bode well for the state facing many security challenges. Surprised that the UPSC overseeing such appointments is calling it quits.” How will you take it?”
UPSC mandates a fixed tenure of at least two years for the post of DGP.
When CS Channi of Congress took over as Chief Minister, Dinkar Gupta was replaced by Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota. A few days after Navjot Sidhu, who is now in jail, revolted against Mr. Sahota, S Chattopadhyay was replaced. And just before the assembly elections, Mr. Chattopadhyay was replaced by VK Bhavra.