scorecardresearch
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Support Our Journalism
HomeIndiaKargil hero serving as traffic constable in Punjab gets double promotion

Kargil hero serving as traffic constable in Punjab gets double promotion

Punjab govt names Vir Chakra awardee Satpal Singh as assistant sub inspector, accuses the previous Akali Dal regime of not giving him due recognition.

Follow Us :
Text Size:

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh Friday ordered an immediate double promotion of a Vir Chakra awardee, within hours of reports that the Kargil hero was managing traffic as a senior constable in Sangrur district.

Satpal Singh, who joined Punjab Police after his discharge from the Indian Army, has been named assistant sub inspector (ASI) following orders from the CM in recognition of his valiant contribution during the Kargil War, said a Punjab government statement.

Satpal had been awarded the Vir Chakra for the Tiger Hill battle in Operation Vijay 20 years ago after he killed Pakistani soldier Captain Karnal Sher Khan. Pakistan later honoured Khan with its highest gallantry award Nishan-e-Haider, on the recommendation of an Indian brigade commander who vouched for his bravery.

On Friday, 26 July, The Indian Express reported that Satpal Singh is now serving as a traffic police constable in Bhawanigarh town of Sangrur district.

The statement issued by the Punjab government Friday said the CM found out about the situation of Satpal, when he read about it Friday morning. He blamed the previous Shiromani Akali Dal regime for not giving Satpal his due recognition.

Satpal was a member of the 8th battalion Sikh Regiment.


Also read: The only woman warrior in Kargil War flew her Cheetah helicopter without fear


Rules relaxed

As a special case, Satpal will be recruited as an ASI, in relaxation of rules, including those of age, by the director general of police (DGP), who has been so authorised by the chief minister.

According to DGP Dinkar Gupta, Satpal was “discharging his duties in an outstanding manner in district Sangrur”. The DGP disclosed that Satpal was posted in Sangrur but had sought transfer to Bhawanigarh six months ago, which was accepted.

Gupta added that an ex post facto approval of the Council of Ministers will be obtained subsequently for the required relaxation in rules.


Also read: 20 years on, a Kargil lesson still holds true: Indian Army can’t afford to learn on the job


 

Subscribe to our channels on YouTube, Telegram & WhatsApp

Support Our Journalism

India needs fair, non-hyphenated and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. ThePrint – with exceptional reporters, columnists and editors – is doing just that.

Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.

Whether you live in India or overseas, you can take a paid subscription by clicking here.

Support Our Journalism

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular