- Gurpreet Kaur Deo is an IPS officer from the 1993 Punjab Cadre, currently serving as a Director General of Police (DGP), one of the first women to achieve this rank in Punjab.
- Born in 1969 in Punjab to a farmer family, she graduated in Economics and joined IPS at age 24 in 1993.
- Her career includes key roles like ADGP for Administration, Community Affairs, Women Affairs, and Chief Vigilance Officer, with a notable achievement in busting a major drug racket.
- She is admired for leadership and mentoring, especially for women in policing, and continues to contribute to law enforcement in Punjab as of 2025.
Early Life and Education
Gurpreet Kaur Deo was born in 1969 in Punjab, India, into a farmer family. From a young age, she showed academic talent, particularly excelling in her studies. She pursued a degree in Economics, which laid the foundation for her civil service aspirations. To prepare for the Civil Services Examination, she moved to Delhi, where her dedication led to her selection into the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1993 at the age of 24.
Career and Achievements
Deo’s career in the Punjab Police has been marked by significant roles and contributions. She has served as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in various capacities, including Administration, Community Affairs Division, and Women Affairs. She also held positions as Chief Vigilance Officer, ADGP for Crime, and Bureau of Investigation, among others. In 2023, she was promoted to DGP, becoming one of the first women in Punjab to reach this rank, highlighting her trailblazing role in a male-dominated field.
One unexpected detail is her leadership in busting a major drug racket in 2019, where, as STF Chief, she oversaw the arrest of a kingpin and the seizure of over 1 million banned tablets, demonstrating her commitment to tackling drug trafficking .
Leadership and Impact
Deo is known for her dedication to public service and has been instrumental in implementing reforms to enhance community engagement and women’s safety. Her leadership qualities and ability to mentor younger officers, particularly women, make her a role model in the policing community. As of March 2025, she remains an active and influential figure in the Punjab Police, contributing to maintaining law and order in the state.
Comprehensive Biography of Gurpreet Kaur Deo IPS
Gurpreet Kaur Deo stands as a prominent figure in the Indian Police Service (IPS), particularly within the Punjab Cadre, where she has made history as one of the first women to attain the rank of Director General of Police (DGP). This detailed biography, crafted as of March 28, 2025, aims to provide a thorough examination of her life, career, and contributions, ensuring originality and avoiding plagiarism. The following sections cover her early life, education, career progression, achievements, and current standing, with a focus on her impact on policing and society.
Early Life and Family Background
Gurpreet Kaur Deo was born in 1969 in Punjab, India, into a family with agricultural roots. Her father was a farmer, and she grew up in an environment that valued education and hard work. From childhood, Deo displayed academic talent, which set the stage for her future ambitions in public service. Details about her mother, siblings, or marital status are not publicly available, suggesting she maintains a private personal life, which is respected in this account.
Education and Entry into Civil Services
Deo’s educational journey began with her secondary education in Punjab, where she excelled academically. She pursued a degree in Economics, a field that equipped her with analytical skills crucial for administrative roles. To realize her dream of becoming a civil servant, she moved to Delhi to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. Her tireless efforts culminated in her selection into the IPS in 1993 at the age of 24, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in law enforcement.
Career Progression and Key Postings
Since joining the IPS in 1993, Gurpreet Kaur Deo has navigated a career spanning over three decades, rising through the ranks to become a DGP. Her postings reflect a broad range of responsibilities, showcasing her versatility and leadership. Below is a table summarizing her key positions:
| Year | Position | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Joined IPS, Punjab Cadre | Initial posting, began as probationary officer |
| 2018 | ADGP, IT&T and Litigation | Focused on technology and legal affairs |
| 2019 | STF Chief, led drug racket bust | Notable for major drug seizure operation |
| 2022 | ADGP, Administration | Managed administrative functions |
| 2022 | Chief Vigilance Officer | Oversaw anti-corruption efforts |
| 2022 | ADGP, Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs | Enhanced community and women’s safety |
| 2023 | Promoted to DGP | First woman DGP in Punjab, historic milestone |
Her promotion to DGP in 2023, alongside Shashi Prabha Dwivedi, marked a significant milestone, with seven ADGPs elevated to DGP rank, bringing the total to 13 DGP-ranked officers in Punjab.This elevation underscores the state’s recognition of her contributions and leadership.
Achievements and Contributions
Deo’s career is punctuated by notable achievements, particularly in law enforcement and public safety. One standout accomplishment was her role as STF Chief in 2019, where she led the busting of a drug racket dealing in habit-forming drugs. During a press conference, she announced the arrest of Pardeep Goyal, the kingpin, and the recovery of 20,500 tablets from his residence, alongside over 1 million Tramadol tablets confiscated in related operations . This operation highlighted her strategic leadership in combating drug trafficking, a pressing issue in Punjab.
Additionally, her tenure as ADGP for Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs saw initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and women’s safety, reflecting her commitment to social welfare within policing. Her promotion to DGP in 2023 was met with delight, as she expressed in media statements, underscoring her pride in serving as part of Punjab’s leadership.
Leadership and Mentoring
Beyond her operational roles, Deo is admired for her leadership qualities and mentorship. She has been instrumental in mentoring younger officers, particularly women, fostering a supportive environment in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her ability to implement reforms, such as improving police efficiency and community relations, has left a lasting impact on the Punjab Police. As of March 2025, she remains an active DGP-ranked officer, contributing to law enforcement and order in the state.
Current Standing and Legacy
As of March 28, 2025, Gurpreet Kaur Deo continues to serve as a DGP in the Punjab Police, though not as the Head of Police Force, a position held by Gaurav Yadav. Her current role leverages her extensive experience, ensuring her influence in maintaining law and order. Deo’s legacy is that of a trailblazer, breaking gender barriers and setting a benchmark for women in policing. Her contributions to drug enforcement, women’s safety, and administrative reforms position her as a role model for aspiring officers.