Indian Bureaucracy News, New Delhi, September 03, 2025| The Rajasthan government transferred two IPS officers in a routine reshuffle. Shri Adarsh Sidhu (2012 batch), formerly Commandant of the 12th Battalion, RAC and stationed at New Delhi, has been transferred back to the state. Shri Kewal Ram Rao (2015 batch) has been posted to New Delhi to take charge of the 12th Battalion, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary, which is permanently stationed there.
- Shri Adarsh Sidhu IPS (Rajasthan 2012), presently commandant, 12th battalion, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC), New Delhi, is transferred and appointed as Superintendent of Police (SP) – Pali, Rajasthan.
- Shri Kewal Ram Rao IPS (Rajasthan 2015), presently superintendent of police, CID (Human Rights), Jaipur, is transferred and appointed as commandant – 12th battalion, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC), New Delhi.
Sentinels of Stability: The Legacy of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary
Following India’s independence in 1947, the 1040 km Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan became a volatile frontier. Incursions and cattle theft by Pakistani raiders, coupled with rampant dacoity within the state, posed severe threats to law and order. Between 1949 and 1952, the Central Reserve Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary jointly secured the border, but their efforts proved insufficient. In 1952, the Rajasthan government established the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC), a specialised force tasked with guarding the border and assisting civil police in curbing dacoity.
The RAC’s foundation was laid in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, where its inaugural headquarters and training center were established. Five battalions, comprising former soldiers and recruits from beyond Rajasthan, underwent intensive training. Each battalion included six companies, one stationed at headquarters. These units were deployed to border regions such as Sriganganagar, Raisinghnagar, Barmer, and Jaisalmer, with one unit positioned at Ghat Gate, Jaipur, to combat dacoity. Within a year, the RAC demonstrated its effectiveness, confronting raiders and bandits in the harsh desert environment, where necessities like water and shelter were scarce. Their courage and discipline earned widespread admiration.
Initially a temporary force, the RAC was made permanent in 1958. As India faced conflicts—two wars with Pakistan, one with China, and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, NEFA, and Mizoram—the RAC’s role expanded. Its battalions, deployed to these critical areas, garnered recognition for their bravery and efficiency. In 1962, two companies from each battalion were reorganised to form the sixth battalion, with additional battalions raised in subsequent years. Eventually, seven battalions integrated with the Border Security Force and two with the Central Reserve Police Force, reflecting their operational excellence.
The RAC’s history is marked by acts of valor, notably the 18-hour confrontation in Thor village, Dholpur, where its personnel apprehended thirteen dacoits without suffering casualties. By the late 1970s, rising crime, communal tensions, and political unrest nationwide prompted further evolution. In 1998, Rajasthan established a Special Task Force within the RAC, modeled on the CRPF’s Rapid Action Force, to manage riots in sensitive districts. Specialised training became integral, with three companies of skilled swimmers from various battalions trained for flood relief operations, highlighting the RAC’s versatility.
Currently, the RAC comprises twelve battalions and one Mewar Bhil Corps (MBC) unit, with nine battalions stationed in Rajasthan and three in Delhi. The MBC, with its distinct legacy, originated in the 18th-century hilly regions of Mewar, Dungarpur, Banswara, and Pratapgarh, where Bhil tribes disrupted order. In 1837, British Political Agent Col. James Outram proposed the Mewar Bhil Corps, recruiting locals to maintain peace among their communities. Initially funded by regional rulers and later administered by the British Indian Army, the MBC restored stability by 1841. Transferred to the Rajasthan Police in 1950, its sole battalion, now based in Udaipur Range, operates with standardised pay and duties, aligned with other police units.
For over seven decades, the RAC and MBC have forged a legacy of steadfast service. From quelling dacoity in Thor to aiding flood-hit communities, they have consistently met challenges with resolve. Their story transcends mere conflict resolution, embodying a commitment to public trust and safety. Whether securing Rajasthan’s desert borders or maintaining order in urban centers, these forces exemplify dedication and resilience. IndianBureaucracy.com honors their enduring contributions to the state’s security and stability.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes both the officers the very best.