Biography of Ashwani Gotyal IPS

Ashwani Gotyal is a name that resonates with grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to public service. As an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2016 Punjab cadre, her journey is one of quiet resilience and steady ascent through the ranks of one of India’s most challenging professions. Born into a world where opportunities for women in law enforcement were still evolving, Ashwani carved her own path, blending courage with compassion to leave a mark on Punjab’s policing landscape.

Her early life remains a private chapter, much like the officer herself, who prefers action over spotlight. What we do know is that Ashwani’s resolve to serve led her to crack the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2015, securing her place in the IPS with the 2016 batch. Training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad shaped her into a disciplined leader, ready to tackle the complexities of Punjab’s diverse and often turbulent terrain.

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Ashwani’s career kicked off with a bang. By 2021, she was posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Headquarters in Ludhiana, a bustling industrial hub with its share of law-and-order challenges. Her tenure there showcased her knack for balancing administrative finesse with on-ground policing. Soon after, she took on the role of Assistant Commandant of the 13th Battalion Punjab Armed Police (PAP) in Chandigarh, adding a layer of versatility to her profile. But it was her appointment as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Batala in February 2023 that truly put her in the spotlight. At a time when Punjab was seeing more women rise to leadership roles in policing, Ashwani’s posting increased the count of female-led police districts to five, a quiet milestone in a male-dominated field.

Her stint in Batala, a border district with a rich history and complex security dynamics, was marked by a hands-on approach. She didn’t just sit behind a desk; she engaged with her team, tackled crime head-on, and worked to build trust with the community. By August 2024, her journey took her to Khanna as SSP, replacing Suhail Qasim Mir in a major reshuffle of Punjab’s police brass. This move underscored her growing reputation as a dependable officer, capable of handling diverse challenges from urban crime in Ludhiana to rural policing in Khanna.

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What sets Ashwani apart isn’t just her postings but the way she carries herself unassuming yet firm, a blend of modern policing ideals and old-school dedication. Colleagues describe her as a taskmaster who leads by example, while locals in her jurisdictions often recall her as approachable yet authoritative. Though her personal life remains largely out of the public eye, it’s clear that her focus is singular: making Punjab safer, one assignment at a time.Here’s a twist not many know Ashwani’s rise coincides with a broader shift in Punjab Police, where women officers are breaking barriers. Alongside peers like Avneet Kaur Sidhu and Mandeep Kaur, she’s part of a new wave, proving that gender is no ceiling in the force. Her story isn’t loud or flashy, but it’s real a testament to what happens when talent meets tenacity.

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