CHANDIGARH29.12.24-Mrs. Geetanjali Khandelwal, an Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer of the 2015 batch, assumed charge as the new Superintendent of Police (SP) of Chandigarh on Friday.

Earlier she was posted as SP of North and Middle Andaman Districts, where she led the police force for an impressive tenure of 2.5 years.

Her visionary leadership, commitment to duty and dedication to work earned her The LG Commendation Award.

She was also honoured with the prestigious ‘FICCI Anti-counterfeiting And Anti-smuggling Awards 2023-24’, as Best Performing Officer, for recognising her leadership in anti-poaching efforts in North & Middle Andaman.

Key Milestones in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Anti-Poaching Operations:

Under her leadership, the North & Middle Andaman Police conducted extensive anti-poaching operations to protect the district’s rich marine biodiversity. These operations focused on curbing the illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers, a highly valued species in international markets, and tackling foreign poachers entering Indian waters through illicit means.

ISO 9001:2015 Certification:

A significant milestone achieved during her tenure was the ISO 9001:2015 certification awarded to all police stations in the district. This recognition underscored the force's commitment to delivering high-quality policing standards, efficient services, and public accountability.

Community Policing and Awards:

Mrs. Khandelwal received the prestigious FICCI Award for her innovative and inclusive approach to community policing. Her initiatives focused on youth empowerment, crime prevention, and fostering strong community connections.

Combatting Cow Smuggling:

Recognizing the high cattle population in the region, she developed a robust intelligence network that successfully dismantled a major cow smuggling racket.

Youth Initiatives:

She launched several youth-focused initiatives like "Jagriti" and "Disha", which provided career guidance and mentorship programs, empowering the region's young population to achieve their aspirations.

Bridging the Gap with Communities:

SP Khandelwal spearheaded various programs and campaigns to enhance trust and cooperation between the police and the public. Her efforts created a strong sense of shared responsibility and support within the community.

She also served as the Superintendent of Police (Anti-Corruption) in Port Blair, during her posting at Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

In her early IPS postings in Delhi, Mrs. Khandelwal served as the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in East, Central, and South districts, where she earned a reputation for her efficiency and community-centered approach.

A Journey of Dedication and Service

Before her illustrious career in the IPS, Mrs. Khandelwal served as a Captain in the Indian Army. She was commissioned as a Short Service Commissioned Officer after undergoing rigorous training at the prestigious Officers' Training Academy in Chennai. Beginning her military journey as a Lieutenant, she served in the challenging terrains of Leh, Kargil, and Drass sectors. Her tenure in the Indian Army, which lasted five years, was marked by her dedication and exemplary service in some of the most demanding regions of the country.

Mrs. Khandelwal’s aspiration for public service led her to crack the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), where she emerged successful and joined the IPS in 2015. She was allotted the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre, where her exceptional skills and leadership continued to shine.

Vision for Chandigarh

With a distinguished career spanning both the Indian Army and Indian Police Service, SP Khandelwal brings a wealth of experience and a legacy of impactful leadership to her new role.

As the new Superintendent of Police in Chandigarh, Mrs. Geetanjali Khandelwal is expected to bring her exemplary leadership, administrative acumen, and people-centric approach to further strengthen the city's law enforcement framework. Her extensive experience in tackling diverse challenges, from community policing to operational efficiency, promises a progressive and inclusive future for the police-public relationship in Chandigarh.