A New Era of Law Enforcement: IPS Swapan Sharma Takes the Helm as Ludhiana Police Commissioner
On March 28, 2025, the Punjab government ushered in a new chapter for Ludhiana’s law enforcement by appointing IPS officer Swapan Sharma as the city’s 24th Police Commissioner. A 2009-batch officer of the Punjab cadre, Sharma replaced Kuldeep Singh Chahal, whose tenure had been marked by both achievements and challenges. With a reputation for tackling crime head-on and a history of impactful initiatives, Sharma’s appointment has sparked hope among Ludhiana’s residents for a safer, more orderly city. As he steps into this pivotal role, Sharma brings with him a legacy of bold action, a deep connection to the city, and a five-point agenda aimed at transforming policing in one of Punjab’s most bustling urban centers.
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Swapan Sharma’s journey in the Indian Police Service is a testament to his dedication and resilience. Hailing from a humble background, Sharma’s early life was shaped by a strong sense of duty and a commitment to public service. He cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2009, joining the Punjab cadre as an IPS officer. Over the years, he has held a variety of challenging positions, each one adding to his reputation as a no-nonsense officer with a knack for getting things done. From serving as SHO at Sadar police station in Ludhiana to taking on roles like Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for the east, north, and traffic zones, Sharma has a long history with the city. His early tenure in Ludhiana, particularly in 2012, made headlines when he spearheaded a robust tow-away drive to clear encroachments—a move that stirred controversy but also earned him the support of industrialists and residents, who rallied to prevent his transfer at the time.
Sharma’s career is dotted with significant achievements that highlight his ability to tackle complex issues. As Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP, city 4) in Ludhiana in 2013, he continued to build on his reputation for effective policing. His tenure as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in districts like Fazilka, Bathinda, Ropar, Sangrur, Jalandhar, and Amritsar saw him bust major drug networks and arrest smugglers, earning him accolades for his relentless fight against organized crime. One of his most notable accomplishments came in 2016, when, as Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Counter Intelligence, he neutralized the dreaded gangster Davinder Bambiha—a feat that cemented his status as a formidable force in Punjab’s law enforcement. Before his appointment as Ludhiana Police Commissioner, Sharma served as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Ferozepur Range, a role he took on after a stint as Commissioner of Police in Jalandhar.
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Sharma’s return to Ludhiana as Police Commissioner is a homecoming of sorts. “Ludhiana city is not new to me,” he said in a statement shortly after taking charge on March 29, 2025. “My first posting was in Ludhiana as a trainee SHO. Then I joined as ACP (North) and also had a charge of ACP (Traffic). I can still remember my initiatives when I controlled the traffic issues and took action against illegal autos.” His familiarity with the city’s challenges—ranging from petty crimes to traffic chaos—gives him a unique perspective as he steps into this role. In his first meeting with senior officers, in-charges of crime cells, and heads of police stations, Sharma outlined a five-point agenda focused on crime control, drug enforcement, public engagement, combating organized crime, and improving internal departmental coordination.
Crime reduction is at the top of Sharma’s priorities. “Our first priority is to curb petty and street crimes, ensuring citizens feel safe,” he told the media. He plans to enhance police visibility and presence in public areas, a strategy aimed at deterring crime and instilling a sense of security among residents. Ludhiana, a major industrial hub, has long grappled with issues like snatchings, burglaries, and robberies, often linked to socio-economic disparities and rapid urbanization. Sharma’s emphasis on tackling these “petty” crimes reflects an understanding that public safety begins with addressing the everyday concerns of citizens.
Drug enforcement is another key focus area for Sharma. Punjab has been battling a severe drug crisis for years, and Ludhiana, with its large population and proximity to drug trafficking routes, is no exception. Sharma acknowledged the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashya Virudh’ campaign by the Punjab Police but emphasized the need for regular reviews and assessments to sustain its impact. His experience in busting drug networks during his tenure as SSP in various districts positions him well to lead this fight in Ludhiana, where the stakes are high for both the police and the community.
Public engagement is a cornerstone of Sharma’s vision for policing. He has promised to launch initiatives with the help of residents, ensuring that justice is delivered in a time-bound manner. This approach reflects a shift toward citizen-oriented policing, where the police force works in partnership with the community rather than in isolation. Sharma’s past experiences, particularly his ability to rally public support during his 2012 tow-away drive, suggest that he has the skills to build this trust and collaboration.
Tackling organized crime is another critical aspect of Sharma’s agenda. His track record—most notably his role in neutralizing Davinder Bambiha—demonstrates his capability to take on the city’s underworld. Ludhiana’s industrial landscape and economic activity make it a target for organized crime, from extortion rackets to gang-related violence. Sharma’s experience as AIG of Counter Intelligence, where he broke the backbone of networks involving gangsters and illegal weapon suppliers, will be crucial in addressing these challenges.
Finally, Sharma has prioritized systemic changes within the police force itself. He highlighted the need for better internal coordination to ensure that public complaints are resolved efficiently. “Sometimes public complaints take more time for disposal due to other engagements of the Investigating Officers,” he noted. To address this, he plans to entrust the staff of senior police officers with the task of disposing of complaints, ensuring that the process is streamlined and complainant-friendly. This focus on accountability and efficiency could set a new standard for policing in Ludhiana, where bureaucratic delays have often frustrated residents.
Sharma’s appointment comes at a time when Ludhiana is grappling with multiple challenges, from rising crime rates to chronic traffic issues. His past success in managing traffic chaos during his time as ACP (Traffic) gives hope that he can address the city’s notorious congestion. “Equal emphasis will be laid on tackling petty crimes and resolving the traffic chaos that plagues the city,” Sharma stated, signaling a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life for Ludhiana’s residents.
While Sharma’s appointment has been widely welcomed, it’s worth examining the broader context of his transfer. The Punjab government’s decision to replace Kuldeep Singh Chahal, who had been Ludhiana’s Police Commissioner since November 21, 2023, was part of a minor administrative reshuffle that also saw IPS Harmanbir Singh Gill appointed as DIG of the Ferozepur Range. Chahal’s tenure was not without controversy—he was briefly transferred during the Lok Sabha elections in May 2024 due to the Election Commission’s model code of conduct but was reinstated in June 2024. However, his time as Commissioner saw significant achievements, including the resolution of major robbery cases like the ₹8.49 crore heist at a city-based cash management company. The decision to replace him with Sharma may reflect the government’s desire for a fresh approach to Ludhiana’s persistent challenges, but it also raises questions about the stability of leadership in such a critical role.
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Sharma’s track record suggests he is well-equipped to handle the demands of his new position, but the scale of the challenges in Ludhiana cannot be understated. The city’s rapid growth, coupled with its socio-economic complexities, requires a nuanced approach to policing—one that balances enforcement with community engagement, and innovation with accountability. If Sharma can deliver on his promises, he has the potential to leave a lasting impact on Ludhiana, much like he has in his previous roles.
As Swapan Sharma settles into his role as Ludhiana’s Police Commissioner, the city watches with bated breath. His five-point agenda, rooted in his deep understanding of Ludhiana’s challenges and his proven ability to drive change, offers a glimmer of hope for a safer, more secure future. For the residents of this industrial powerhouse, Sharma’s appointment is not just a change in leadership—it’s a chance for a new beginning. And for Sharma himself, it’s an opportunity to build on his legacy as an officer who doesn’t just enforce the law, but transforms lives in the process.