Lavina Sinha, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Gujarat cadre, is a name synonymous with determination, intelligence, and groundbreaking contributions to law enforcement. A doctor-turned-IPS officer, Lavina has carved a niche for herself in the realm of cybercrime investigation, earning accolades for her relentless pursuit of justice.
Early Life and Family Background
Born into a family with a strong legacy of public service, Lavina Sinha hails from Gujarat, India. She is the daughter of Varesh Sinha, a distinguished bureaucrat who served as the Chief Secretary of Gujarat and later as the State Election Commissioner. Her family’s deep-rooted connection to civil services is further highlighted by her brother-in-law, Nirlipt Rai, a 2010-batch IPS officer. Growing up in an environment surrounded by administrators and law enforcers, Lavina was exposed to the values of discipline, duty, and societal contribution from an early age.
Her upbringing in Gujarat, a state known for its vibrant culture and progressive outlook, played a pivotal role in shaping her ambitions. Despite her family’s bureaucratic lineage, Lavina initially chose a different path—medicine—demonstrating her independent spirit and intellectual curiosity.
Education: From Medicine to Civil Services
Lavina Sinha’s academic journey is a testament to her versatility and brilliance. She pursued her medical education with dedication, earning an MBBS degree followed by an MD in Medicine. During her postgraduate studies, she worked in hospitals, gaining hands-on experience as a physician. Her decision to enter the medical field reflected her desire to serve society directly, addressing health challenges at the grassroots level.
However, while completing her MD, Lavina’s aspirations took a transformative turn. Inspired by the broader impact she could make through governance and law enforcement, she decided to prepare for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination—one of India’s toughest competitive exams. Balancing her medical career with UPSC preparation was no small feat, but Lavina’s disciplined approach and unwavering focus set her apart.
UPSC Journey and Entry into IPS
Lavina Sinha’s UPSC journey culminated in success in 2016 when she secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 183 in the Civil Services Examination. Her achievement was remarkable not only for its competitive nature but also for her ability to transition from a demanding medical career to the rigorous demands of civil service preparation. In interviews, she has shared that her decision to take the UPSC exam was finalized during her postgraduate years, and she waited until completing her MD to dedicate herself fully to the process.
Her rank earned her a position in the Indian Police Service (IPS), and she was allotted the Gujarat cadre—her home state. This assignment was a source of immense pride for Lavina, as it allowed her to serve the state she knew intimately. She completed her training at the prestigious Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, graduating in January 2020 as part of the 2017 batch.
Early Career as an IPS Officer
Lavina Sinha’s entry into the IPS marked the beginning of a stellar career in law enforcement. Her initial postings as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) provided her with practical experience in policing. In 2019, she was posted as ASP in Sabarkantha, Gujarat, where she honed her skills in maintaining law and order, managing public safety, and addressing local challenges.
Her medical background gave her a unique perspective in her police work, particularly in understanding the human elements of crime and victim support. Lavina’s early assignments showcased her ability to adapt, lead, and execute her duties with precision, earning her recognition among peers and superiors alike.
Rise to Prominence: DCP Cybercrime, Ahmedabad
Lavina Sinha’s career took a significant leap in April 2024 when she was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Cybercrime Branch in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This transfer, part of a larger reshuffle of 12 IPS officers by the Gujarat government, positioned her at the forefront of tackling one of the most pressing issues of the digital age—cybercrime.
As DCP Cybercrime, Lavina has spearheaded several high-profile investigations, earning her a reputation as a fearless and innovative officer. Her tenure in this role has been marked by a proactive approach to combating digital frauds, hacking incidents, and online scams that exploit vulnerable citizens.
Busting India’s Largest Digital Arrest Scam
One of Lavina Sinha’s most notable achievements came in October 2024, when she led the investigation into India’s largest “digital arrest” scam. The case began with a 72-year-old man reporting a loss of ₹79 lakh to fraudsters who had trapped him in an elaborate scheme. Posing as officials from telecom authorities, Mumbai Police, and even the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the scammers used video calls, fake warrants, and official-looking backdrops to convince the victim of an impending arrest unless he paid up.
Lavina’s investigation unraveled a sophisticated network spanning multiple cities and international borders. Her team traced the money trail through layers of dummy accounts, exposing the meticulous planning behind the fraud. In an exclusive interview with Indian Masterminds, she highlighted the emotional manipulation tactics used by the criminals and emphasized the need for public awareness, stating, “There’s no such thing as a digital arrest. The police will never arrest you over a video call.”
Her swift action and analytical skills not only recovered significant leads but also served as a wake-up call for a nation increasingly vulnerable to digital predators.
Rajkot Hospital CCTV Hacking Case
Another landmark case under Lavina’s leadership occurred in early 2025, when she cracked the Rajkot Payal Hospital CCTV hacking incident. Cybercriminals had hacked the hospital’s surveillance system and leaked sensitive footage online, sparking outrage. Within 48 hours, Lavina and her team tracked the perpetrators 3,000 kilometers away, apprehending them and bringing them back to Gujarat.
This feat earned her widespread praise, including from Gujarat’s Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, who lauded her in the State Assembly. Sanghvi noted that Lavina was the first female IPS officer to apply cyber-terrorism charges in such a case, underscoring her pioneering role in modern policing.
Personal Traits and Leadership Style
Lavina Sinha is often described as a blend of “beauty with brains”—a moniker that reflects her intellectual prowess and commanding presence. Her medical background has instilled in her a methodical approach to problem-solving, while her IPS training has sharpened her leadership and decision-making skills. Colleagues and subordinates admire her for her empathy, resilience, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Her fluency in Gujarati, coupled with her understanding of local issues, has made her an effective communicator and a relatable figure in Gujarat’s policing landscape. Lavina’s commitment to educating the public about cyber safety further highlights her dedication to preventive policing.
Legacy and Impact
As of March 25, 2025, Lavina Sinha’s contributions to Gujarat’s police force are profound. Her work in the Cybercrime Branch has set new benchmarks in tackling digital offenses, protecting citizens from the unseen threats of the internet. Her story inspires countless aspirants, particularly women, to pursue careers in civil services and break gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Lavina’s journey from a doctor to an IPS officer exemplifies the power of adaptability and purpose-driven ambition. Her family’s legacy of public service continues through her, but she has undeniably carved her own path, one defined by courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Conclusion
Lavina Sinha, IPS, is more than just an officer—she is a symbol of perseverance and excellence. From her academic achievements in medicine to her trailblazing career in the IPS, she has demonstrated that dedication and skill can transcend boundaries. As she continues to lead Gujarat’s fight against cybercrime, her biography serves as a compelling narrative of empowerment and service. For UPSC aspirants, women in law enforcement, and citizens alike, Lavina’s life is a beacon of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity.
Top FAQs About Lavina Sinha, IPS
1. Who is Lavina Sinha?
Lavina Sinha is an IPS officer of the Gujarat cadre (2017 batch) currently serving as DCP Cybercrime in Ahmedabad. She is a former doctor who cracked the UPSC exam in 2016 with AIR 183.
2. What is Lavina Sinha’s educational background?
She holds an MBBS and an MD in Medicine, which she completed before transitioning to a career in the IPS.
3. What are some of Lavina Sinha’s notable cases?
She busted India’s largest “digital arrest” scam in 2024 and solved the Rajkot Payal Hospital CCTV hacking case in 2025, apprehending suspects from 3,000 km away in 48 hours.
4. Who is Lavina Sinha’s father?
Her father, Varesh Sinha, is a retired IAS officer who served as Gujarat’s Chief Secretary and State Election Commissioner.
5. Why is Lavina Sinha called “Beauty with Brains”?
The term reflects her combination of academic excellence (as a doctor and UPSC topper) and her impactful work as an IPS officer, breaking stereotypes in policing.
6. Where did Lavina Sinha train as an IPS officer?
She completed her training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad, graduating in January 2020.
7. What is Lavina Sinha’s current posting?
As of March 25, 2025, she is the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Cybercrime Branch in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
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