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| Monika Bhardwaj, IPS |
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| Monika Bhardwaj, IPS with her father |
Monika Bhardwaj, IPS, is a name that stands out in the annals of the Indian Police Service (IPS) as a symbol of courage, integrity, and groundbreaking leadership. A 2009-batch officer of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, she made history by becoming the first woman Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Delhi Crime Branch in 2020. Her journey from a small village in Haryana to the upper echelons of one of India’s toughest police forces is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
Early Life: A Legacy of Service
Monika Bhardwaj was born in Sampla village, Rohtak district, Haryana, into a family with a deep-rooted connection to law enforcement. Her grandfather served as a Head Constable with the Delhi Police, while her father, Kaptan Singh, rose to the rank of Sub-Inspector with the Haryana Police. This third-generation police lineage instilled in Monika a sense of duty and pride in public service from a young age. Growing up in a modest household, she witnessed the challenges and rewards of policing firsthand, which shaped her aspirations.
Details about her exact birth date remain private, but she is believed to have been born in the late 1980s, making her approximately in her mid-30s by 2025. Raised in a Jat family, Monika’s upbringing blended rural simplicity with the discipline of a police household. Her mother, a homemaker, tended to cattle and fields, maintaining the family’s grounded ethos even as Monika excelled academically. This balance of humility and ambition became a cornerstone of her character.
Education: From Haryana to Delhi University
Monika Bhardwaj’s academic journey reflects her intellectual prowess and determination. She completed her schooling in Haryana, though specific institutions remain undisclosed in public records. Her strong educational foundation led her to Delhi University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. This choice of discipline was unconventional for a future police officer, highlighting her curiosity and adaptability—traits that later defined her career.
At Delhi University, Monika thrived, balancing academics with an early interest in public service. Her exposure to urban life in Delhi broadened her perspective, preparing her for the diverse challenges of the IPS. After graduating, she set her sights on the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), one of India’s most competitive exams, driven by a desire to emulate and surpass her family’s legacy in policing.
UPSC Success: A Gateway to IPS
In 2008, Monika Bhardwaj cracked the UPSC CSE on her first attempt, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 142—a remarkable feat given the exam’s difficulty. While she aspired to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), her rank positioned her for the IPS, a service she embraced wholeheartedly. Selected for the 2009 batch of the AGMUT cadre, she underwent rigorous training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, where her performance stood out for its diligence and professionalism.
Her choice to join the IPS was not just a career decision but a personal mission. In interviews, she has emphasized taking the word "services" seriously, viewing policing as a means to ensure peace, maintain law and order, and deliver justice. This ethos, rooted in her family’s history, propelled her into a career marked by bold actions and meaningful leadership.
Career Milestones: Rising Through the Ranks
Monika Bhardwaj’s IPS career spans over 15 years as of February 22, 2025, with postings across Union Territories and Delhi that showcase her versatility and resolve. Her early assignments included stints in Puducherry, Mizoram, and Andaman Police, where she tackled diverse law enforcement challenges.
Early Postings and Breakthrough Cases
In 2013, while serving in Puducherry, Monika gained attention for leading a team that arrested six men involved in the kidnapping and gang-rape of a 21-year-old woman. Her defiance of political pressure from a local Muslim MLA underscored her commitment to justice, earning her respect among peers. This case marked her as an officer unafraid to confront powerful interests.
Upon her transfer to Delhi, Monika’s career took a significant leap. As Additional DCP (West) in 2016, she led a swift operation to apprehend two juveniles who raped a three-year-old girl during a Ramleela event in Nihal Vihar. Her quick response and empathy in handling such sensitive cases highlighted her as a rising star in the Delhi Police.
Handling High-Profile Incidents
Monika’s tenure as DCP (North) brought her into the spotlight during the 2019 Tis Hazari Court clash between lawyers and police over a parking dispute. CCTV footage captured her pleading with lawyers to stop the violence, a moment that went viral and showcased her composure under pressure. Despite being physically assaulted—beaten by male lawyers—she remained steadfast, earning praise for her handling of the crisis. Some attribute her later promotions to this incident, though her broader track record speaks for itself.
In 2016, as Additional DCP (West), she tackled the brutal lynching of dentist Pankaj Narang in Vikaspuri. Facing rumors of a communal angle, she tweeted from her personal handle to clarify facts and maintain peace, a move that drew both praise and trolling. Supported by figures like Kiran Bedi and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, she weathered the online abuse, proving her resilience.
Historic Appointment: First Woman DCP, Delhi Crime Branch
In August 2020, Monika Bhardwaj made history as the first woman appointed DCP of the Delhi Crime Branch, a unit tasked with tackling organized crime and high-profile cases. Announced by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, her transfer from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) to this pivotal role was hailed as a progressive step for women in policing. Speaking to YourStory, she said, “It feels good, not only as a woman but as an officer… The Crime Branch gives you the opportunity to hit crime at the base.”
This appointment boosted morale among female officers and signaled a shift in a traditionally male-dominated domain. Her tenure involved overseeing complex investigations, leveraging her analytical skills from her Computer Science background to integrate technology into crime-solving—an area she believes Indian police must expand.
Later Postings
By 2022, Monika was transferred to DCP, 1st Battalion, Delhi Armed Police (DAP), with additional charge of the 4th Battalion. While less publicized, these roles underscored her versatility in managing both operational and administrative duties. Her career trajectory reflects a pattern of “plum postings,” as noted by peers, attributing her success to merit and tenacity.
Personal Life: Family and Values
Monika Bhardwaj’s personal life mirrors her professional ethos—grounded yet progressive. She married her long-time boyfriend, a software engineer working with a multinational company in Noida, in 2015. Their inter-caste marriage—she from a Jat family, he from a Brahmin background—was embraced by both families, reflecting Monika’s belief in unity over division. The couple relocated from the US to India post-marriage, prioritizing her career.
A mother to four-year-old twins (as of 2020), Monika contracted COVID-19 in May that year while serving as DCP (North). Her recovery showcased her fighter spirit, balancing motherhood with a demanding job. She remains media-shy and introverted, driving an old Hyundai Santro—a nod to her unassuming roots despite her high rank.
Her family extends beyond her immediate circle. Her younger sister, Indu Bhardwaj, is an IRS officer (Assistant Income Tax Commissioner), while another sister works with Indian Railways as a Class I officer. This trio of civil servants has made their father, Kaptan Singh, immensely proud, elevating the family’s legacy across generations.
Advocacy and Inspiration
Monika Bhardwaj draws inspiration from Kiran Bedi, India’s first female IPS officer, whose stories she heard growing up. She advocates for more women in policing, noting in a SheThePeople interview, “We are 50 percent of the population and struggling at eight to 10 percent in the police forces.” Her historic Crime Branch role and handling of crises like Tis Hazari amplify her call for gender equity.
Her core values—honesty, truth, and perseverance—guide her work. Colleagues describe her as an officer who “silently goes about her job without arrogance,” a reputation earned through consistent integrity.
Legacy and Future Impact
Monika Bhardwaj’s career continues to evolve. Her historic stint as DCP, Delhi Crime Branch, and her adept use of social media for public engagement—like dispelling rumors during the Narang case—position her as a modern police leader. She believes social media can enhance crime prevention and detection, a vision yet to be fully realized in Indian policing.
Monika’s story inspires not just IPS aspirants but anyone striving to break barriers. From a Haryana village to leading Delhi’s Crime Branch, her journey underscores that determination and service can transcend gender and circumstance. For those searching “Monika Bhardwaj IPS biography” or “first woman DCP Delhi,” her legacy is one of trailblazing grit. What’s your view on her impact? Share below and celebrate this icon of Indian policing!
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