Varinder Kumar IPS

  • Varinder Kumar, an IPS officer from the 1993 Punjab batch, was born on July 26, 1965, and is likely an alumnus of Guru Nanak Dev University.
  • He has held significant roles, including Director of the Bureau of Investigation and ADGP-Intelligence, and was recently removed as Vigilance Bureau chief in February 2025.
  • He has received the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Services and three Director General of Police’s Commendation Discs, reflecting his impactful service.
  • Details about his early life and education are limited, but research suggests he has advanced degrees, possibly including an MSc and PhD.

Early Life and Education

Shri Varinder Kumar, born on July 26, 1965, in Punjab, India, grew up in a region known for its rich cultural heritage and strong community values. While specific details about his childhood and family background are scarce, it seems likely that his upbringing in Punjab, a state with a significant history of public service, influenced his career path. Research suggests he is an alumnus of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar, which may have been where he pursued his higher education, potentially earning an MSc and PhD, though exact details remain unclear.

Career and Achievements

Varinder Kumar joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1993 as part of the Punjab cadre, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in law enforcement. Over the decades, he has held several key positions, showcasing his leadership and dedication. Notably, he served as the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)-Intelligence, a role critical for maintaining state security, and was later appointed Director of the Bureau of Investigation in Chandigarh in 2021. 

His contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Services, awarded for exceptional service, and three Director General of Police’s Commendation Discs, highlighting his consistent excellence. These accolades, earned through years of service, underscore his impact on Punjab’s law enforcement landscape.

Personal Life and Legacy

While personal details such as marital status or hobbies are not publicly documented, Varinder Kumar’s professional journey reflects a commitment to public service. His career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by significant administrative and operational roles, making him a notable figure in Punjab’s police force. An unexpected detail is his attempt in 2009 to change his date of birth from July 26, 1965, to September 16, 1966, which was denied by the Union Home Ministry, as revealed through RTI documents .

A Comprehensive Note on Shri Varinder Kumar, IPS

Shri Varinder Kumar, a seasoned Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1993 Punjab cadre, stands as a prominent figure in the state’s law enforcement framework. Born on July 26, 1965, in Punjab, India, his life and career exemplify dedication to public service, with a trajectory marked by significant administrative roles and notable recognitions. This survey note aims to provide a detailed exploration of his life, career, and contributions, drawing from available public records and news reports.

Early Life and Educational Background

Varinder Kumar’s early life details are not extensively documented, but it is evident that he hails from Punjab, a state known for its vibrant culture and strong tradition of public service. Research suggests he is likely an alumnus of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar, a prestigious institution in the region. The GNDU Alumni Association lists him with advanced degrees, including an MSc and PhD, though specific fields of study and the institutions where these were obtained remain unclear  . Given his entry into the IPS in 1993, it is reasonable to infer that he completed his education, including preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, in the late 1980s or early 1990s, a period when Punjab was navigating complex socio-political challenges.

Career Trajectory and Key Postings

Kumar’s IPS career, spanning over three decades, is characterized by a series of pivotal roles that highlight his administrative acumen and operational expertise. Joining the service in 1993, he quickly rose through the ranks, focusing on intelligence and investigation, areas critical for maintaining state security. Notable postings include:

  • ADGP-Intelligence, Punjab: A role where he oversaw intelligence operations, crucial for counter-terrorism and law enforcement in a border state like Punjab.
  • Director, Bureau of Investigation, Chandigarh (2021): A significant administrative position involving oversight of investigations, as part of a major reshuffle of 36 IPS officers .
  • Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab: A role he held until February 17, 2025, when he was replaced by G Nageswara Rao, a 1995-batch IPS officer, and asked to report to the Director General of Police .

His career also involved managing transfers and postings, such as the transfer of eight Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) in 2020, reflecting his authority in organizational restructuring  .

Awards and Recognitions

Varinder Kumar’s service has been acknowledged through several prestigious awards, underscoring his impact on Punjab’s police force. He has been conferred the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Services, an honor recognizing exceptional contributions to law enforcement. Additionally, he has received three Director General of Police’s Commendation Discs, awarded for outstanding performance in various operations. These awards, listed on the GNDU Alumni Association page, highlight his consistent excellence and dedication  . While specific details of the operations or cases leading to these awards are not publicly detailed, they likely relate to his work in intelligence and vigilance, given his key postings.

Personal Life and Administrative Challenges

Details about Kumar’s personal life, such as marital status, family, or hobbies, are not widely available, reflecting the private nature of many IPS officers. However, an interesting administrative detail emerged in 2009 when he sought to change his date of birth from July 26, 1965, to September 16, 1966, through official channels, including an appeal to then Union Home Minister P Chidambaram via MP Manish Tewari. The request was denied, as it did not comply with relevant rules, and was reiterated by the Home Ministry after an appeal to the President of India  . This episode, uncovered through RTI documents, provides insight into the bureaucratic challenges faced by senior officers.

Legacy and Recent Developments

As of March 2025, Varinder Kumar’s career continues to evolve, with his recent removal from the Vigilance Bureau chief position marking a significant transition. His long tenure in intelligence and investigation roles has likely contributed to strengthening Punjab’s law enforcement capabilities, particularly in a state with historical security concerns. His promotions, including to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) in January 2023 alongside other 1993-batch officers, reflect his seniority and impact .

Comparative Context and Tables

To contextualize Kumar’s career, consider the following table of key IPS officers from Punjab, highlighting their batch years and notable postings, based on available data:

NameBatch YearNotable PostingAwards Received
Varinder Kumar1993Director, Bureau of InvestigationPresident’s Police Medal, 3 Commendations
Jitendra Kumar Jain1993ADGP, Powercom, PatialaNot specified
Shashi Prabha Dwivedi1993ADGP, HRD, PunjabNot specified
Amardeep Singh Rai1994ADGP, Intelligence, ChandigarhNot specified

This table, derived from news reports, illustrates Kumar’s seniority and the breadth of his responsibilities compared to contemporaries .

Conclusion

Shri Varinder Kumar’s career is a testament to the challenges and rewards of public service in India’s police force. His journey from a likely GNDU alumnus to a senior IPS officer, marked by significant postings and prestigious awards, reflects a life dedicated to law enforcement. While personal details remain limited, his professional legacy is well-documented, offering valuable insights into the workings of Punjab’s police administration.

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