Rahul Chandan's biography, "K.P.S. Gill: The Paramount Cop," focuses on Gill’s strategic transition from Assam to Punjab, highlighting his role in transforming counter-insurgency tactics during the late 1980s. The narrative emphasizes his, doctrine of utilizing local police for operations, notably Operation Black Thunder in 1988, while addressing, and often defending against, significant human rights allegations. More details on the book are available at JSKS. Review: KPS Gill, The Paramount Cop | Hindustan Times

Police Career

This was the era of "encounters." The term became a euphemism for extrajudicial killings. As the insurgency waned in the early 1990s, the Punjab Police, empowered by Gill’s aggressive stance, was accused of operating with impunity. Families of suspected militants, and sometimes innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, disappeared into the night. The allegations of custodial torture, fake encounters, and illegal cremations would haunt the Punjab police for decades.

1. Early Life and Education: KPS Gill was born on December 8, 1929, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). He studied at Aitchison College in Lahore and later at Government College, Lahore.
2. Police Career: Gill joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1952 and served in various capacities in Punjab Police. He rose through the ranks, becoming the DGP of Punjab Police in 1983.
3. Anti-Insurgency Operations: Gill played a pivotal role in curbing terrorism in Punjab during the 1980s. He led several successful operations against Sikh militants, including the Operation Blue Star in 1984.
4. Reforms and Modernization: As DGP, Gill introduced several reforms and modernization initiatives in Punjab Police, including the establishment of a police academy and the introduction of forensic science laboratories.