Mamta Singh, IPS, stands as a towering figure in the Indian Police Service (IPS), renowned for her courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety. A 1996-batch officer of the Haryana cadre, she has risen through the ranks to become Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), earning accolades for her daring operations and dedication to human rights. From her heroic rescue of over 2,500 people during the 2023 Nuh violence to her pivotal role in anti-Maoist operations, Mamta Singh’s journey exemplifies resilience and service.
Early Life: A Foundation in Resilience
Mamta Singh was born into a modest family in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, where her father worked as a farmer. While specific details about her birth year remain private, her upbringing in a rural setting instilled a strong work ethic and a deep connection to grassroots challenges—qualities that later defined her policing career. Her family background was not one of privilege, but it was rich in values of perseverance and duty.
A significant influence in Mamta’s life was her uncle, Ghamandi Singh, reportedly the first IPS officer killed in an encounter. Growing up, she was captivated by stories of his bravery, which ignited her ambition to join the Indian Police Service. Initially, Mamta aspired to become a doctor and pursued an MBBS degree. However, inspired by her uncle’s legacy, she abandoned medical studies to chase a career in law enforcement—a decision that would shape her into one of India’s most respected IPS officers.
Education: From Medicine to Law
Mamta Singh’s educational journey reflects her adaptability and intellectual rigor. She began with medical studies, enrolling in an MBBS program, but her shift to policing required a new academic focus. After deciding to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree, the details of which are not widely documented but likely aligned with humanities or social sciences, common choices for UPSC aspirants. Post her IPS induction, Mamta furthered her qualifications by completing an LLB, enhancing her understanding of legal frameworks—a critical asset in her investigative and administrative roles.
Her academic choices underscore her determination to equip herself for the multifaceted demands of the IPS. This blend of medical insight, legal knowledge, and practical policing skills set her apart as a versatile officer.
Joining the Indian Police Service: A Dream Realized
Mamta Singh cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1995, joining the IPS in the 1996 batch with the Haryana cadre. At a time when women in the IPS were a rarity—comprising less than 10% of the force—her entry marked the beginning of a trailblazing career. Trained at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, she emerged as a disciplined and fearless officer, ready to tackle India’s complex law enforcement landscape.
Her early postings in Haryana exposed her to the state’s unique challenges, from rural crime to urban unrest. Mamta quickly gained a reputation for her no-nonsense approach and ability to handle high-pressure situations, laying the groundwork for her ascent through the ranks.
Career Milestones: A Legacy of Valor
Mamta Singh’s 28-year career (as of 2025) in the Indian Police Service is studded with remarkable achievements. Her postings have spanned Haryana and central deputation roles, showcasing her versatility and impact.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Tenure
From November 2005, Mamta served as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Investigation at the NHRC in New Delhi. Her work focused on probing human rights violations, earning her the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2012. She led investigations into high-profile cases, including:
- Nandigram Violence (West Bengal): Examining police excesses during the 2007 protests.
- Salwa Judum and Naxalism (Chhattisgarh): Investigating abuses in anti-Maoist operations.
- Operation Anaconda (Jharkhand): Assessing CRPF actions in the Saranda forests in 2011.
Her meticulous approach and courage in confronting systemic issues won praise from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Home Affairs, cementing her reputation as a human rights defender within policing.
Anti-Maoist Operations in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh
On deputation outside Haryana, Mamta Singh took on Maoist insurgencies in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Leading operations against armed rebels, she demonstrated tactical acumen and bravery, earning recognition from the Government of India. Her work in these volatile regions highlighted her ability to operate beyond her home cadre, tackling some of the nation’s toughest security threats.
The Nuh Violence Rescue: A Defining Moment
Mamta Singh’s most celebrated exploit came on July 31, 2023, during the Nuh violence in Haryana. As ADGP (Law and Order), she spearheaded the rescue of over 2,500 people trapped in the Nalhar Shiva Temple amid communal riots. Facing stone-pelting and gunfire, Mamta and her team—including SP Palwal Lokendra Singh—navigated barricades and hostile crowds to evacuate terrified women, children, and elderly devotees.
Recalling the operation to Indian Masterminds, she described the traumatized faces of those she saved, crediting divine intervention and teamwork for the mission’s success. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij and the public hailed her as a hero, with her actions earning nationwide praise. This feat underscored her ability to lead under fire, reinforcing her moniker as a “daredevil” IPS officer.
Handling High-Profile Cases
In 2017, Mamta Singh, then Inspector General (IG), interrogated Honeypreet Insan, the adopted daughter of convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Her tough questioning reportedly unsettled Honeypreet, showcasing Mamta’s skill in managing sensitive investigations. This case added to her reputation for tackling influential figures without fear.
Promotions and Current Role
Mamta’s career trajectory reflects her excellence:
- IG, Haryana Police: By 2017, she was a key figure in law enforcement.
- ADGP, Haryana Police: Promoted in 2019, she took on broader responsibilities.
- ADGP (Law and Order) with Additional Charge: In November 2023, she assumed the additional role of ADGP, State Crime Branch, overseeing Haryana’s crime and order apparatus.
As of February 22, 2025, Mamta Singh continues to serve as ADGP, shaping Haryana Police’s response to emerging challenges.
Awards and Recognition
Mamta Singh’s contributions have garnered prestigious honors:
- President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2012): Awarded for her NHRC investigations.
- Supreme Court Praise: Recognized for her human rights work.
- Public Acclaim: Her Nuh rescue earned her widespread admiration, with Haryana’s leadership lauding her bravery.
These accolades highlight her dual legacy as a protector of law and a champion of justice.
Personal Life: A Balanced Existence
Mamta Singh is married to a fellow IPS officer from the Haryana cadre, a 1990-batch senior six years her elder. Their partnership blends professional synergy with personal support, a rarity in the demanding world of policing. The couple has three children—two daughters and a son—whom they raise away from the public eye, emphasizing normalcy despite their high-profile careers.
Her family life reflects the discipline of her military-inspired upbringing. Mamta’s ability to balance motherhood with a grueling career inspires many, particularly women aspiring to join the IPS.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Mamta Singh’s leadership is defined by action, empathy, and integrity. Her hands-on approach—evident in Nuh—shows her willingness to lead from the front. She prioritizes public safety and human rights, a philosophy shaped by her NHRC tenure and personal values. Her strict demeanor, often highlighted in media, earns respect from subordinates and fear from offenders, making her a formidable force in Haryana Police.
Impact and Legacy
Mamta Singh IPS has left an indelible mark on the Indian Police Service. Her rescue operations, anti-insurgency efforts, and human rights advocacy demonstrate the transformative power of policing when driven by courage and compassion. As a woman in a male-dominated field—she joined when female IPS officers numbered around 400 out of 4,000—she shatters stereotypes, inspiring a new generation.
Her story resonates with UPSC aspirants, women in law enforcement, and citizens seeking accountable governance. By saving lives in Nuh and confronting Maoists in dense forests, Mamta proves that IPS officers can be both enforcers and protectors.
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