It’s not often that a young, decorated IPS officer walks away from service — especially someone like Siddharth Kaushal, who still had many promising years ahead. His recent decision to apply for Voluntary Retirement (VRS) has left many in the Andhra Pradesh police force stunned, confused, and quietly reflective.
At just 39, Kaushal wasn’t just another officer. A 2012-batch IPS officer, originally from Himachal Pradesh, he served with quiet dedication in key districts like Krishna, Prakasam, and YSR, gaining a reputation for being disciplined, fair, and deeply committed to the uniform. His time as the SP of the elite OCTOPUS anti-terror unit only added to his growing stature. For officers on the ground and aspirants in training, he was someone to look up to.
But now, he wants out.
“It’s Not Just About Me” – A Silent Message
Though Kaushal hasn’t publicly spoken about his reasons, whispers from within the department suggest a painful story of harassment, frustration, and disillusionment. Sources say he hadn’t attended office for over a month — not out of apathy, but perhaps out of emotional and professional exhaustion.
Behind the uniform was a man caught in the crossfire of political interference and internal pressure, particularly during the previous YSRCP regime. And he’s not alone.
A System Under Strain
In the past year alone, 24 IPS officers were left without postings, and 119 ASPs and DSPs were sidelined. Many officers, once proud to serve, found themselves battling not just crime, but politics. Some, like PSR Anjaneyulu and PV Sunil Kumar, were suspended or faced inquiries. Others chose silence. A few, like Vineet Brijlal, moved to central services to escape the chaos.
Kaushal’s decision is being seen as part of this ongoing exodus — a quiet but powerful vote of no confidence in the system.
New Government, Old Scars
Now, with a new TDP-Jana Sena-BJP coalition in place, there’s cautious hope — and an undeniable urgency. Officers are watching closely: Will the new leadership rebuild trust and protect the independence of the police? Or will the scars of the past continue to haunt the present?
Kaushal’s VRS application is currently under review by the central government — a process that could take 2 to 3 months. But for many of his colleagues, the impact is already being felt.
More Than a Resignation
For those who know him, Kaushal’s resignation is not an act of quitting. It’s a quiet rebellion, a personal line he could no longer cross. It’s also a reminder that even the strongest officers have limits — and that dignity, not just duty, defines a career in uniform.
In a force that prides itself on resilience, this move has sparked more than debate — it has triggered soul-searching. And perhaps, if taken seriously, it could lead to change.Because when someone like Siddharth Kaushal walks away, the question isn’t just “Why did he leave?”
It’s “What did we lose?”
