Explore the lives and achievements of famous IPS officers in India who have shaped modern policing through integrity, bravery, and service.
India’s police force stands as the first line of defense in internal security. The Indian Police Service (IPS) has produced officers who became symbols of courage, integrity, and justice. These individuals have not only fought crime but have also reformed systems, stood up to power, and inspired generations. The famous IPS officers in India are not only public servants. They are national assets.
Below is the list of Famous IPSC Officers in India along with their achievements:
Kiran Bedi

Kiran Bedi is among the most famous IPS officers in India. She became the first woman to join the IPS in 1972. Her early years saw strict enforcement of law, from cracking down on traffic violations in Delhi to arresting powerful individuals.
Her work in Tihar Jail stands out. She introduced reforms in prison management, including education, meditation, and skill training for inmates. Kiran Bedi’s fearless work and reformist mindset have influenced not just the police force but also public administration in India. She remains one of the most respected and famous IPS officers in India even after her retirement.
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Sanjukta Parashar

Sanjukta Parashar is known for her bold work in Assam against insurgent groups. A 2006 batch IPS officer, she led multiple operations as part of the Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). She personally led armed units in conflict zones and gained national recognition.
As one of the famous IPS officers in India, Parashar represents the face of fearless policing. Her presence also encourages more women to join the police force and take on active combat roles.
D Roopa

D Roopa gained national attention when she exposed VIP treatment given to politicians inside prison. She filed a report against irregularities involving high-profile inmates, including Sasikala, in Karnataka prisons.
Her honesty came with professional backlash, but her actions sparked a debate on transparency and accountability. As one of the famous IPS officers in India, Roopa is a reminder that the system can be questioned from within.
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Julio Ribeiro

Julio Ribeiro served as Commissioner of Mumbai Police, Director General of Punjab Police, and Indian ambassador to Romania. Known for his clean image and firm leadership, Ribeiro gained fame for tackling militancy in Punjab during the 1980s.
He was honest, fearless, and committed to public duty. His role in restoring law and order made him one of the most famous IPS officers in India. Even after retirement, Ribeiro continues to speak on police reforms and human rights, showing that service doesn’t end with the uniform.
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Ajit Doval (Former IPS Officer)

Ajit Doval may now be the National Security Advisor, but he began his career as an IPS officer. He served in intelligence for decades and played a key role in counter-terrorism operations.
Doval’s work in the Northeast, Punjab, and Kashmir earned him the reputation of being a silent warrior. While technically no longer in the IPS, he remains one of the most famous IPS officers in India due to the scale and secrecy of his work. His career shows how IPS officers can shape national policy.
Rishi Kumar Shukla

Rishi Kumar Shukla served as the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). With decades of service in Madhya Pradesh, he handled major cases involving white-collar crime and political corruption.
His calm demeanor, clear thinking, and ability to navigate pressure situations placed him among the famous IPS officers in India. He believed in systems over individuals and strengthened investigative institutions.
Himanshu Roy

Himanshu Roy, an IPS officer from Maharashtra, gained fame for his sharp investigative skills. He solved high-profile crimes, including murder cases, financial frauds, and underworld activity in Mumbai. His fitness, leadership, and strategic thinking made him popular both inside and outside the force.
Sadly, his death by suicide in 2018 shocked the country. But his work remains a benchmark for integrity. He is still remembered as one of the most famous IPS officers in India, especially in crime detection.
Shivdeep Lande

Shivdeep Lande is known for his work in Bihar, especially in Patna, where he cracked down on eve-teasing, illegal activities, and organized crime. He is often described as “Bihar’s Singham” due to his aggressive approach and public support.
Lande donated a large part of his salary to run coaching centers for underprivileged students. His community approach to policing makes him one of the most famous IPS officers in India, particularly among youth and students.
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While each officer has a unique story, they share certain traits:
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Fame in policing is not built through visibility but through consistent action. The famous IPS officers in India are often those who worked quietly but left strong results behind.
The famous IPS officers in India prove that public service can be clean, bold, and impactful. Their work spans prison reforms, counter-terrorism, women’s safety, intelligence, and social justice. Some are in the spotlight. Others work behind the scenes. But all of them remind us that even in the toughest jobs, character counts.
Kiran Bedi earned national respect as India’s first woman IPS officer, noted for prison reforms and strict law enforcement.
Ajit Doval’s intelligence operations in conflict zones and his strategic role in national security have made him one of the most famous IPS officers in India.
Female IPS officers like Sanjukta Parashar and D Roopa have led operations, exposed corruption, and inspired more women to join the force, proving their strength and leadership.
Integrity, courage, leadership, reform-mindedness, and public trust are common traits that define the famous IPS officers in India.
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