Naveen Singla was born in 1983 in the lively city of Jalandhar, Punjab, where the hum of urban life blended with the warmth of close-knit communities. Growing up in a family of educators his mother a school principal and his father a college lecturer Naveen was raised with a love for learning and a quiet resolve to serve. As a boy, he’d listen to his grandfather’s tales of Punjab’s past, sparking a curiosity about fairness and order that would one day define his life as an IPS officer.
Early Life and Education
Naveen’s early years were spent at St. Joseph’s School in Jalandhar, where he was known as much for his quick wit in class as for his speed on the cricket pitch. A natural problem-solver, he gravitated toward science, earning a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh in 2005. After a brief flirtation with a tech career, Naveen felt a deeper pull toward public service. The idea of wearing a uniform and standing up for those who couldn’t took root, leading him to the UPSC exam. In 2009, at just 26, he cracked it, joining the Indian Police Service with the Punjab cadre.
A Career of Grit and Impact
Naveen’s first posting as Assistant Commissioner of Police (South) in Ludhiana threw him into the deep end of urban policing. The area was notorious for petty crime and gang activity, but Naveen tackled it with a mix of street-smarts and strategy. He earned local trust by walking the beat himself, chatting with shopkeepers and residents to understand their fears. His efforts paid off crime in areas like Jodhewal Basti dropped noticeably, and he gained a reputation as an officer who wouldn’t bend to pressure, even when it came from powerful corners.
By 2014, Naveen was Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Jalandhar, a role that tested his ability to balance enforcement with empathy. He cracked high-profile cases, like a string of armed robberies, while also setting up youth outreach programs to keep teens away from crime’s pull. His transfer to Ludhiana as DCP later that year was a homecoming of sorts, but it came with bigger challenges industrial disputes, communal tensions, and a rising drug problem. Naveen leaned into prevention, working with schools and NGOs to educate kids about addiction, while his teams dismantled smuggling rings with surgical precision.
In 2021, Naveen took on the role of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Rupnagar, where he focused on modernizing policing. He pushed for better tech CCTV networks, data-driven crime mapping and trained his force to use it effectively. His tenure saw a dip in rural theft and a surge in public confidence. By 2023, his sharp instincts and track record earned him a promotion to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Intelligence in SAS Nagar, Punjab. Here, Naveen’s work took on a broader scope, from countering organized crime to bolstering state security. His ability to stay one step ahead of threats has made him a key player in Punjab’s intelligence network.
Beyond the Badge
Naveen’s heart lies in connecting with people. In Rupnagar, he started a program to teach self-defense to girls in government schools, empowering them to feel safe and strong. He’s also a big believer in second chances, backing rehab programs for first-time offenders to help them rebuild their lives. His annual “Coffee with a Cop” events, where locals chat with officers over snacks, have become a hit, turning police stations into places of trust rather than fear.
Personal Life
Off duty, Naveen is a bit of a wanderer. He loves weekend treks in the Shivaliks with his wife, Priya, a graphic designer with a knack for sketching Punjab’s landscapes. They met during college, bonding over roadside chai and big dreams. Their daughter, Aanya, is Naveen’s biggest fan, often stealing his cap to play “super cop” at home. He’s also a closet foodie, hunting down the best amritsari kulchas or whipping up a spicy paneer tikka for friends.
A Legacy of Trust
At 42, Naveen Singla’s career is a testament to what happens when intelligence meets integrity. From Ludhiana’s chaotic streets to the high-stakes world of intelligence, he’s shown that policing isn’t just about catching criminals it’s about building a society where people feel secure. With every case he cracks and every hand he extends, Naveen is writing a story of change, one that’s making Punjab prouder by the day.