Ranu Sahu, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2010 batch from the Chhattisgarh cadre, is a name synonymous with resilience, dedication, and controversy. Her journey from a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to a high-ranking IAS officer reflects her unwavering commitment to public service. However, her career has also been marred by legal challenges, including arrests by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Chhattisgarh coal levy scam and the District Mineral Fund (DMF) scam.
Early Life and Family Background
Ranu Sahu was born on September 4, 1984, in the small village of Panduka, located in the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh, India. Hailing from a modest, middle-class family, she grew up in an environment that valued education and hard work. Her father, Arun Sahu, ran a hardware store, providing the family with a stable yet humble livelihood. Her mother, Lakshmi Sahu, served as a member of the district panchayat, demonstrating a commitment to community service that likely influenced Ranu’s career aspirations. Ranu has two sisters and a brother, with one sister working in the Women and Child Development Department, reflecting a family inclined toward public service.
From an early age, Ranu exhibited a strong academic inclination and a fascination with authoritative roles, particularly in the police force. Her upbringing in rural Chhattisgarh instilled in her a deep understanding of grassroots issues, which later became a cornerstone of her administrative approach.
Educational Qualifications
Ranu Sahu’s academic journey is a testament to her intellectual prowess. She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Raipur, where she excelled, securing 90% in her Class 10 board exams and 93% in her Class 12 exams. Her stellar performance laid a solid foundation for her higher education. She pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, though specific details about her college are not widely documented. Her academic excellence continued as she prepared for competitive exams, showcasing her determination to enter public service.
After graduating, Ranu initially set her sights on a career in the police force. In 2005, she cleared the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) exam and joined the Chhattisgarh Police as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). However, her ambitions grew, and while serving as a DSP, she began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination—one of India’s toughest competitive exams.
In 2009, Ranu appeared for the UPSC exam (roll number 219237) and achieved an extraordinary feat by securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 13 in her first attempt in 2010. This remarkable accomplishment marked her transition from a DSP to an IAS officer, a rare and inspiring career progression.
Career Trajectory: From DSP to IAS
Early Career as DSP
Ranu Sahu’s career began in 2005 when she joined the Chhattisgarh Police as a DSP. Her tenure in the police force honed her skills in law enforcement and public administration. Despite initial resistance from her father, who viewed the police profession as unsuitable for women, her mother’s support enabled her to pursue this path. Her experience as a DSP provided her with a unique perspective on governance and law enforcement, which she later carried into her IAS career.
Entry into IAS and Key Postings
After clearing the UPSC exam in 2010, Ranu Sahu was allotted the Chhattisgarh cadre. She underwent rigorous training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, where she was equipped with skills in governance, public policy, and leadership. Her first significant posting as an IAS officer was as the District Collector of Kanker, making her the 14th collector of the district. This role allowed her to address developmental challenges in a Naxal-affected region, showcasing her administrative acumen.
Over the years, Ranu held several key positions:
- Collector of Balod: She focused on rural development and infrastructure projects.
- Collector of Korba: From May 2021 to June 2022, she oversaw this coal-rich district, a tenure that later drew scrutiny in corruption cases.
- Collector of Raigarh: Her work in this industrial hub earned her recognition as a dynamic officer.
- Director of State Agriculture Department: At the time of her arrest in 2023, she was serving in this role, managing agricultural policies and programs.
- Other Roles: She also served as Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh Mandi Board and GST Commissioner, handling critical administrative responsibilities.
Ranu’s career was marked by her reputation as a "fast-track" officer, known for her efficiency and bold decision-making. However, her assertive style also led to clashes with political figures, including a notable dispute with Chhattisgarh Minister Jai Singh Agrawal during her tenure in Korba.
Personal Life: Husband and Family
Ranu Sahu is married to Jayprakash Maurya, a fellow IAS officer from the 2010 batch, who serves as a secretary in the Chhattisgarh government. The couple tied the knot on September 7, 2012, and they have a son named Aryan, born around 2014. Despite their demanding careers, Ranu and Jayprakash have maintained a balance between professional commitments and family life, often visiting each other’s postings to spend time with their son.
Their shared profession has fostered a mutual understanding of the challenges faced by IAS officers, making them a power couple in Chhattisgarh’s bureaucratic circles. Ranu’s family background and supportive spouse have been pivotal in her ability to navigate the highs and lows of her career.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
Coal Levy Scam (2023)
Ranu Sahu’s career took a dramatic turn on July 22, 2023, when she was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged coal levy scam in Chhattisgarh. The scam involved the illegal extortion of Rs 25 per tonne from coal transporters, allegedly orchestrated by a cartel of bureaucrats, politicians, and businessmen. As the former collector of coal-rich districts like Korba and Raigarh, Ranu came under scrutiny. The ED attached her properties worth Rs 5.52 crore and remanded her to custody for three days. She became the second IAS officer arrested in this case, following Sameer Vishnoi in 2022.
After a year in jail, Ranu was granted bail by the Supreme Court on July 8, 2024, though her suspension from service, effective since July 22, 2023, remains in place as of March 04, 2025.
District Mineral Fund (DMF) Scam (2024)
In October 2024, Ranu faced another setback when the ED arrested her again, this time in connection with the multi-crore DMF scam. The scam involved the misappropriation of funds meant for developmental projects in mining-affected areas of Korba, where she served as collector. Allegations suggest she facilitated illegal commissions of 25-40% from contractors. She was remanded to ED custody until October 22, 2024, and during court proceedings, she was visibly emotional, stating, “I am strong,” while wiping away tears.
These controversies have cast a shadow over Ranu’s otherwise illustrious career, raising questions about corruption in India’s bureaucracy.
Achievements and Legacy
Despite the legal battles, Ranu Sahu’s contributions to Chhattisgarh’s administration cannot be overlooked. Her tenure as a collector in multiple districts brought improvements in infrastructure, education, and rural development. Her journey from a DSP to an IAS officer with an AIR of 13 remains an inspiring tale for UPSC aspirants, particularly women from small towns.
Top 10 FAQs About Ranu Sahu, IAS
- Who is Ranu Sahu IAS?
Ranu Sahu is a 2010-batch IAS officer from the Chhattisgarh cadre, known for her transition from DSP to IAS and her involvement in high-profile corruption cases. - What is Ranu Sahu’s educational background?
She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Raipur, with 90% in Class 10 and 93% in Class 12, and holds a BSc degree. - Who is Ranu Sahu’s husband?
She is married to Jayprakash Maurya, an IAS officer from the 2010 batch, currently a secretary in Chhattisgarh. - What controversies is Ranu Sahu involved in?
She was arrested in the coal levy scam (2023) and the DMF scam (2024) by the ED for alleged corruption. - When was Ranu Sahu arrested?
She was first arrested on July 22, 2023, in the coal scam, and again in October 2024 for the DMF scam. - What was Ranu Sahu’s rank in UPSC?
She secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 13 in the 2010 UPSC Civil Services Examination. - What posts has Ranu Sahu held?
She served as Collector of Kanker, Balod, Korba, and Raigarh, and Director of the State Agriculture Department. - Is Ranu Sahu still in jail?
As of March 04, 2025, she is not in jail; she received bail in the coal scam case in July 2024 but remains suspended. - What is the coal levy scam involving Ranu Sahu?
It’s an alleged Rs 800-crore scam involving illegal levies on coal transport, implicating bureaucrats and politicians. - What is Ranu Sahu’s family background?
She hails from Panduka, Chhattisgarh, with her father running a hardware store and her mother a panchayat member.
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