Pune: Shivdeep Lande, an IPS officer revered as "Bihar's Singham" for his bold actions in crime control, has announced his resignation from the Indian Police Service after 18 years of exemplary service.
Lande, who was currently serving as the Superintendent of Bihar's Special Task Force, made the announcement on social media, sparking widespread reactions from his followers and residents of Bihar, where he had gained immense popularity for his dedication and fearless approach.
Lande’s resignation has surprised many, as he was known for his impactful work in Bihar, particularly in Naxal-affected areas. His career began in 2006 when he was appointed as the trainee Superintendent of Police in Jamalpur, a region infamous for Naxal activities.
Despite the area's dangers, where a police superintendent was previously killed by Naxalites, Lande quickly won the trust of locals through his hands-on approach, helping reduce crime rates significantly.
His work led to a decrease in criminal activities, and his popularity grew, especially as he stood firm in the face of political pressure. His transfer from Bihar once even led to protests by locals, demanding his return.
In his heartfelt post, Lande thanked Bihar for the love and respect he received over the years. He wrote, “Dear Bihar, after 18 years of serving the state through a government position, I am resigning from my post.
During my tenure, I always prioritized Bihar over myself and my family. If I made any mistakes, I seek forgiveness for them. Even though I have resigned from the Indian Police Service, Bihar will remain my 'Karmabhoomi' (place of duty), and I will continue to live here."
Born in a small village in Buldhana, Maharashtra, Lande's journey to becoming an IPS officer is nothing short of inspiring. Coming from a financially challenged background, he completed his early education in a Zilla Parishad school and later earned an engineering degree from Amravati University.
Before joining the police force, he worked as a lecturer in Mumbai and eventually cleared the UPSC exam to join the Indian Police Service in 2006.
Throughout his career, Lande was known for taking bold actions against crime. His anti-drug operations in Mumbai, where he briefly served with the Maharashtra Police, were widely appreciated. During his time with the Anti-Narcotics Bureau, he cracked down on drug cartels, severely disrupting their operations in the city.
Later, as Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Crime Branch, Lande solved several high-profile cases, further adding to his reputation as an officer of integrity and fearlessness.