Aparajita Rai: Woman of Substance
Editor’s Note (Archival Restoration — August 2026):
This profile was originally published by The Optimist News on June 22, 2020. As part of our ongoing archival preservation project, this interview has been restored to provide continued visibility to inspiring public service leaders. The content remains faithful to the original dialogue, reformatted for modern readability.
It is often said that with great power comes great responsibility. Aparajita Rai, the first woman IPS officer from Sikkim, embodies this philosophy in her daily service. In an exclusive interview, she reflects on her experiences with the Kolkata Police, her childhood influences, and the tactical measures she has spearheaded to combat cybercrime and the narcotics menace.
Her trailblazing journey and dedication to public service have not gone unnoticed at the national level. Rai’s historic distinction as Sikkim’s first female IPS officer, along with her stellar academic journey, is officially recognized and profiled on the Advancing North East portal, a Government of India initiative dedicated to celebrating the region’s most inspiring figures and empowering future generations.
Aparajita Rai: Career Snapshot
| Attribute | Detail |
| Identity | First Female IPS Officer from Sikkim |
| Current Designation | Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kolkata) |
| Education | BA LLB (Gold Medalist, NUJS, Kolkata) |
| Key Accomplishments | State Topper (ISC); Shrimati Ratna Pradhan Memorial Trophy |
| Core Policing Focus | Cybercrime, Anti-Bank Fraud, Narcotics/Arms Control |
Early Life: “Born to Win”
“My father was a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). He passed away when I was eight years old,” Rai recalls. “My mother, a schoolteacher, shouldered all responsibilities. My childhood, spent under her watchful and strong influence, helped me cultivate an undaunted spirit.”
Rai’s academic record is as impressive as her service career. She was a state topper, scoring 95% in her ISC exams, and was awarded the “Best Girl All-Rounder” Shrimati Ratna Pradhan Memorial Trophy at Tashi Namgyal Academy. She later graduated from the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata, earning gold medals in both Jurisprudence and Public Administration.
“Failure has never bogged me down; it has always been a challenge,” she says. “If you can accept failure with the same grace as victory, your path becomes much clearer.”
In Pursuit of the Khaki
“Wearing the Khaki was always a dream,” Rai admits. She prepared rigorously for the UPSC examinations, emphasizing that success in the civil services requires more than just intelligence—it demands diligence, passion, and strategic preparation. “Only about 5% of applicants make it to the Prelims. It is the unprecedented preparation that paves the way to the top.”
Policing Challenges & Crime Control
As a member of the Kolkata Police Special Task Force (STF), Rai manages high-stakes responsibilities, including internal and external security, counter-narcotics, and arms trafficking.
Addressing Cybercrime
Rai views cybercrime as one of the most volatile threats facing modern society. “Cybercrime is continuously on the rise,” she explains. “People often don’t understand the technical or legal ramifications until they lose money. As the head of the cyber unit, it is difficult to qualify as a ‘highly efficient’ unit in the eyes of the public because recovering lost funds is not always possible through legal channels.”
Her approach prioritizes education: “Our first concern is explaining the situation to the complainant. By educating them on how the crime occurred, they become more cautious, and they, in turn, educate their peers.”
Drug Transit Routes
Regarding West Bengal’s role in illicit trade, Rai acknowledges the geographic complexity. “Bengal is considered a transit route, primarily due to the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor that connects the North-East to the rest of India. We monitor intelligence regarding these movements closely and act decisively to intercept contraband substances.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Aparajita Rai?
Aparajita Rai is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and holds the distinction of being the first female IPS officer from the state of Sikkim. She has served in various leadership roles within the Kolkata Police.
What are Aparajita Rai’s primary areas of expertise in policing?
Rai has extensive experience in the Special Task Force (STF), dealing with internal security, counter-narcotics, and arms trafficking. She has also served as a Deputy Commissioner (DC) overseeing cybercrime and anti-bank fraud investigations.
What is Aparajita Rai’s educational background?
She is a highly decorated student, having won gold medals at the National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata, in both Jurisprudence and Public Administration.
How does Aparajita Rai handle the challenges of police transfers?
Rai views transfers as an intrinsic part of the service. She believes that moving between postings poses new challenges that groom an officer, helping them grow personally and professionally by conditioning them to cope with unknown situations.
