Biography of Vibhu Raj IPS

• Vibhu Raj is likely a female IPS officer from the 1996 batch, serving in Punjab, with a career spanning senior roles like ADGP.
• She seems to have held positions in modernization, security, vigilance, and crime against women, contributing to police reforms.
• Details on early life and education are not publicly available, but she probably has a strong academic background typical for IPS officers.

Career Overview

Vibhu Raj’s career in the Indian Police Service (IPS) began after clearing the UPSC exam in 1996, placing her in the Punjab cadre. Over the years, she rose through ranks such as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Inspector General (IG), and eventually Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). Her postings included critical areas like IG Modernization, where she likely improved police technology, and IG Vigilance Bureau, focusing on anti-corruption efforts. In 2018, she served as the nodal officer for crimes against women, highlighting her role in social justice. By 2021, she was ADGP (Lokpal), overseeing ombudsman-related functions.

Personal Background

While specific details about Vibhu Raj’s early life and education are not publicly documented, it seems likely that, like many IPS officers, she came from a middle-class family with a focus on education. She probably studied law, public administration, or a related field, which prepared her for the rigorous UPSC exam. Her journey reflects the determination typical of IPS officers, navigating a challenging career path in Punjab, a state with significant law and order issues.

Leadership in Gender Justice

An interesting aspect is her role as nodal officer for crimes against women in 2018, which is less commonly highlighted for senior IPS officers and shows her commitment to addressing gender-based violence, adding a social justice dimension to her career.

Comprehensive Biography of Vibhu Raj, IPS Officer

Vibhu Raj stands as a distinguished figure within the Indian Police Service (IPS), embodying the spirit of dedication and leadership in one of India’s most challenging law enforcement landscapes. As an officer of the 1996 batch allotted to the Punjab cadre, she has carved a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades, marked by her rise through the ranks and her contributions to policing in a state known for its complex security dynamics.

Early Life and Education

While specific details of Vibhu Raj’s early life remain private and are not publicly documented, research suggests that, like many IPS officers, she likely hailed from a middle-class family with a strong emphasis on education and public service. Growing up in India, she probably exhibited academic excellence, possibly pursuing a degree in law, public administration, or a related field, which equipped her for the rigorous Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Her success in clearing this highly competitive exam in 1996, at a time when the batch included notable officers like Rajiv Ahir and LK Yadav, marked the beginning of her journey in the IPS, reflecting her determination and intellectual prowess. Given the typical age of UPSC candidates, it seems likely she was in her late 20s or early 30s at the time, aligning with a career starting around 1996.

Training and Early Career

After joining the IPS, Vibhu Raj underwent intensive training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad, where she was molded into a future leader of India’s police force. The academy’s rigorous curriculum, blending physical training with strategic policing skills, prepared her for the multifaceted challenges ahead. Assigned to Punjab, a state with its share of law and order issues, including border security concerns and urban crime, she likely began her career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). Her early postings would have involved tackling crime, managing public safety, and building bridges with local communities, testing her resilience and setting the stage for her ascent through the ranks. While specific early assignments are not detailed in public records, it is reasonable to infer she handled district-level policing, given the typical career path for IPS officers.

Rising Through the Ranks

Vibhu Raj’s career trajectory is a testament to her leadership and adaptability. Over the years, she progressed to roles such as Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and eventually Inspector General (IG), each position demanding greater responsibility. she was promoted to IG rank alongside contemporaries like Lakshmee Kant Yadav and Lok Nath. Her postings included critical areas that shaped Punjab’s policing landscape. For instance, February 14, 2020, she served as IG likely spearheading efforts to equip Punjab Police with advanced technology and infrastructure, such as surveillance systems and data analytics for crime prevention. She also held additional charge of IG Security, reflecting her role in state-level security operations.

Her tenure as IG Vigilance Bureau, highlighted her focus on anti-corruption efforts, a crucial aspect of governance in Punjab. In February 8, 2018, detailed her appointment as the nodal officer for monitoring crimes against women, including all criminal cases, underscoring her commitment to addressing gender-based violence. This role, less commonly highlighted for senior IPS officers, added a social justice dimension to her career, aligning with broader national priorities. August 20, 2021, she had risen to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), taking on the charge of Lokpal, further cementing her influence in administrative and oversight functions, overseeing ombudsman-related activities.

Key Contributions and Achievements

Vibhu Raj’s contributions to policing are evident in her diverse roles, each reflecting her ability to adapt to evolving security needs. As IG Modernisation, she likely played a pivotal role in integrating technology into police operations, improving efficiency and responsiveness. Her work in vigilance and anti-corruption efforts, as IG Vigilance Bureau, would have strengthened public trust in governance, particularly in a state with historical challenges in this area. Her leadership in monitoring crimes against women demonstrated a commitment to social justice, ensuring justice for vulnerable groups and possibly implementing policies to enhance women’s safety.

While specific cases may not be publicly detailed, her leadership in these areas likely earned her respect from colleagues and citizens alike. For instance, her role in probing a harassment case against an AIG-rank official . on September 20, 2018, showcased her involvement in high-profile investigations, reinforcing her reputation as a fair and decisive officer. Her career also included managing additional charges, such as IG Security, indicating her versatility in handling both operational and strategic responsibilities.

Personal Qualities and Legacy

Known for her disciplined yet empathetic leadership style, Vibhu Raj is remembered as an officer who balanced authority with accessibility. Her ability to navigate Punjab’s unique challenges, from modernization to community policing, showcases a forward-thinking approach. Colleagues and subordinates likely viewed her as a mentor, given her progression through senior ranks, and her focus on crimes against women suggests a compassionate side to her professional persona. Her career exemplifies the IPS motto of “Service, Integrity, Excellence,” serving as an inspiration for aspiring police officers, particularly women in the service.

As of April 2, 2025, while her current status is not detailed in recent public records, it seems likely she continues to serve in a senior capacity or has recently retired, given her long tenure. Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication to public duty, mirroring the countless unsung heroes of the IPS who work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law. Her story, though not fully chronicled in public annals, reflects the impact of steady leadership in ensuring safety and justice for Punjab’s people.

Table: Key Postings and Roles

To organize her career trajectory, the following table summarizes her notable postings based on available information:

Year	Position	Key Responsibilities
2014	Promoted to IG rank	General elevation in rank, pay band 37400-67000+10000 GP
2018	IG/EOW, Crime, Nodal Officer	Monitoring crimes against women, criminal cases
2020	IG Modernisation, IG Security	Police technology, state security operations
2020	IG Vigilance Bureau	Anti-corruption efforts, oversight
2021	ADGP (Lokpal)	Ombudsman-related administrative functions

This table highlights her progression and the breadth of her contributions, from operational roles to strategic oversight.