A 1987-batch IPS officer, Viresh Kumar Bhawra on Saturday assumed the Charge of Director General of Police (Head of Police Force) Punjab.The order issued by the State Government reads, "On the consideration of the panel received from the Union Public Service Commission, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to appoint Shri Viresh Kumar Bhawra, IPS as Director General of Police, Punjab (Head of Police Force)."After assuming charge, newly appointed DGP Punjab said that with Punjab Assembly Elections 2022 are around the corner, Punjab Police will ensure smooth conduct of elections.He said that keeping in view the elections, the Punjab Police will also ensure that elections are being conducted in Inducement free manner.
Apart from ensuring smooth elections, DGP Viresh Bhawra said that his focus would be on eradicating drug menace and terrorism from the state. He added that People Centric Policing and Public Service delivery are among his top priorities.The DGP said that the Punjab Police will make optimum use of technology for carrying out investigations of the various crimes.Notably, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service recipient had served in the States of Punjab, Assam and Intelligence Bureau, Government of India in different capacities. He had worked as SSP Mansa, DIG Patiala Range and IGP/ Bathinda. He was head of different wings of Punjab Police as DGP/ADGP - Intelligence, Provisioning & Modernisation, Information Technology & Telecommunications, Bureau of Investigation, Internal Vigilance & Human Rights, and Welfare. He conceptualized the creation of the Bureau of Investigation and was posted as its first Director. During his posting in IT&T wing, he steered implementation of the CCTNS project and proactive use of social media by Punjab Police.