In a much-awaited and highly anticipated move, Arun Dev Gautam has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Chhattisgarh and will soon assume charge as the Head of Police Force (HoPF). Gautam replaced Ashok Juneja, a 1989-batch IPS officer, who finally retired after two consecutive extensions in the service. Arun Dev Gautam’s appointment follows a rigorous selection process led by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) panel, which shortlisted names based on seniority, service records, and operational experience. The Chhattisgarh government forwarded the shortlisted names, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection in adherence to established guidelines. A 1992-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Gautam’s career spans over three decades in high-stakes policing, with extensive experience in intelligence operations, anti-Naxal strategies, and strategic security management.

 

He has held pivotal district-level and state-level command positions, demonstrating an exceptional ability to navigate high-pressure policing environments and crisis management scenarios. His district policing experience is particularly noteworthy, having served as Superintendent of Police (SP) across six districts—Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Jashpur, Surguja, and Koriya. His tenure in these districts was marked by effective crime control, intelligence-led operations, and infrastructure augmentation that significantly strengthened law enforcement mechanisms. In 2009, he was posted as Rajnandgaon SP following a deadly Maoist ambush that killed 29 police personnel, including the then-SP, demonstrating his proficiency in counter-insurgency operations. Gautam’s distinguished service has earned him several national and international accolades, underscoring his exemplary contributions to policing and public safety. He was honoured with the United Nations Medal for his service in Kosovo (2002), where he played a critical role in international peacekeeping operations.

 

His domestic recognition includes the Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2010) and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2018), awarded for his outstanding commitment to law enforcement and public security. Beyond district policing, Gautam has held several strategic positions in intelligence, counter-insurgency, and high-level security administration. His expertise extends to police training, recruitment, traffic management, and administrative command at the state headquarters. He previously served as Inspector General (IG) of Bastar Range, overseeing critical anti-Naxal operations in the aftermath of the 2013 Jhiram Ghati Maoist attack, which targeted senior political leaders. In addition to his DGP appointment, Gautam has also been designated as the Director General (DG) of Home Guards and Civil Defence, while holding additional charge of DG Public Prosecution. This dual role underscores his multifaceted administrative expertise in overseeing law enforcement, civil defence operations, and legal prosecution frameworks in State. A senior IPS officer at Police Headquarters (PHQ), speaking to The Hitavada on condition of anonymity, remarked, “Gautam’s elevation to the top post is a reflection of his stellar career and impeccable credentials. His expertise in counter-insurgency and intelligence operations will be instrumental in shaping Chhattisgarh’s policing strategies.”

 

 

 

 

 

 Gurjinder Pal Singh, a senior 1994-batch IPS officer from the Chhattisgarh cadre, has been recommended for elevation to the rank of Director General (DG). This important decision was taken following the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting held on Tuesday. An official order confirming his elevation is expected to be issued shortly. Sources confirmed that Singh’s recommendation for promotion to the DG rank was initially made on Monday, in consultation with senior officials, and was later formalized in the DPC meeting on Tuesday. This step came after the reinstatement of his services, following a favorable ruling by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which allowed for his advancement to the DG position. The recommendation for Singh’s promotion follows the retirement of Ashok Juneja from the position of Director General of Police (DGP) in Chhattisgarh, which left one post of DG rank vacant as per sanctioned cadre strength authorised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI), for the state.

 

Subsequently, the retirement of Juneja facilitated the appointment of new DGP Arun Dev Gautam as well as elevation of G P Singh. According to sources, out of four posts on DG rank in Chhattisgarh, two are for the position of Director General of Police (DGP), referred to as Head of Police Force (HoPF), one which was filled by appointment of Arun Dev Gautam on Tuesday, while another post is for the Director General (DG) Police Training and Director of the State Police Academy. Additionally, there are two ex-cadre positions on DG rank, which are Director General (Prisons) and Director General (Home Guards and Civil Defence). Currently, the rank of DG Home Guards and Civil Defence is being held by Arun Dev Gautam as additional charge.

 

"The decision to recommend Singh’s promotion aligns with the strategic move by the MHA to fill these crucial posts and ensure that the state police force maintains its leadership capabilities, especially after the retirement of long-serving officers," said a senior IPS officer in Police Headquarters (PHQ).