Lucknow: In a major administrative reshuffle, the Uttar Pradesh government has appointed 2001-batch IPS officer Tarun Gauba as the new Police Commissioner of Lucknow. Previously serving as Additional Director General (Security), Gauba takes charge of policing in the state capital, one of India’s most strategically significant cities due to its high concentration of government institutions and VVIP movement.
Originally from Chandigarh, Gauba holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering. After clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, he joined the Indian Police Service on December 26, 2001, as part of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Throughout his career, he has continued to enhance his academic credentials with a Master’s in Police Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Law, and an Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy from the Indian School of Business. He was also awarded the prestigious Hubert H. Humphrey International Fellowship during 2019–20.
With over two decades of policing experience, Gauba has served in a wide range of operational and administrative roles, including Assistant Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police, Commandant, Aide-de-Camp to the Governor, Deputy Inspector General, Inspector General, and Additional Director General. His extensive experience spans district policing, security management, vigilance, and administration.
Gauba also served on central deputation with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), where he handled several high-profile investigations. His tenure with the premier investigative agency earned him recognition for managing sensitive and complex cases, including his role in the investigation team during the high-profile case involving senior IPS officer Rakesh Asthana.
After returning to Uttar Pradesh in 2020, he was posted as Inspector General (Vigilance) before being appointed Home Secretary, where he played a key role in policy and security-related decisions. More recently, as ADG (Security), he oversaw security arrangements for the Chief Minister, Governor, VVIP movements, and other high-profile events across the state.
His distinguished service has been recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Governor’s Gold Medal for Gallantry (2008), the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2017), multiple DG Commendation Discs in Silver, Gold and Platinum categories, the Excellent Service Medal, and the Chief Minister Mahakumbh Seva Medal in 2025.
As Lucknow’s new Police Commissioner, Gauba succeeds Amrendra K. Sengar, who has been appointed Director General (Intelligence) while also holding additional charge as Director General (Security). Gauba’s immediate priorities are expected to include strengthening law and order, enhancing women’s safety, tackling cybercrime, combating organised crime, improving traffic management, and ensuring robust security for major religious, cultural and government events.
His background in engineering, cyber law, investigation and VVIP security is expected to bring a modern, technology-driven approach to policing in Uttar Pradesh’s capital. With Lucknow housing the Chief Minister’s Office, Raj Bhavan, the State Legislature and numerous critical government institutions, Gauba’s appointment is being viewed as a significant step towards further strengthening the city’s law enforcement and security framework.
