Suspended Officer Cleared, Returns as Punjab Police Chief

Maninder Singh is back in uniform with a promotion, proving that sometimes the system does get it right.

The 2019 batch Indian Police Service officer was suspended in November 2025 as head of Amritsar Rural police, accused of failing to crack down on organized crime and gangster activity. Two months later, the Punjab government reinstated him and appointed him to lead police operations in Ropar district as Senior Superintendent of Police.

The turnaround tells an important story. Senior police officials confirmed that Singh's reinstatement and immediate posting to a leadership role means the original allegations have been proven false.

Records showed Singh actually had a strong track record during his time in Amritsar Rural, with multiple successful operations against criminal gangs. Despite this documented success, he was removed from duty immediately after local election results in November.

Another officer, Ravjot Kaur Grewal, was also recently reinstated after being suspended by election officials following complaints during a different by-election. She has returned to work with the Punjab Vigilance department.

The reinstatements were part of a broader shuffle involving 22 officers across Punjab's police force, including new leadership appointments in three districts.

Why This Inspires

These reinstatements matter beyond two individual careers. When officers face politically motivated accusations despite strong performance records, it can create a chilling effect that discourages proactive policing.

By reviewing the evidence and reversing unjust suspensions, Punjab officials demonstrated that good work will be recognized and defended. Singh's promotion to lead another district sends a clear signal that merit and actual performance matter more than political pressure.

The government's willingness to correct course quickly, rather than letting suspensions drag on indefinitely, also shows institutional integrity. Officers who know they'll be judged on their actual record, not political winds, can focus on serving their communities effectively.

Justice delayed is justice denied, but in this case, justice arrived in just two months.