As SDM, Sanjay Popli had faceoff with police

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 21

IAS officer Sanjay Popli, who was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in a graft case, was promoted to the elite civil services cadre in 2008.

Selected to the Punjab Civil Services in 1993, Popli earlier was posted as SDM in various districts. He had a brush with several controversies. As the SDM of Jalalabad in 1997, he had a confrontation with a police officer. It led to a face-off between the police and civil administration, forcing the then government to transfer him out.

Known for his thorough knowledge of literature, Popli, however, had to fight a legal battle to be elevated to the IAS, as he was reportedly denied an integrity certificate by the then Chief Secretary.

Even after his elevation to the IAS, he was not given the charge of any district as deputy commissioner. He was reportedly given the charge of Water Supply and Sewerage Board upon the “recommendation” of a senior Congress leader from Madhya Pradesh. During his service, the 58-year-old officer had served in the Industries Department, Welfare of SC and BC Department, Pensions, etc.

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