From Grief to Glory: How IPS Aparna Gupta Transformed Tragedy into Triumph and Became a Beacon of Bravery
Mahoba: IPS Officer Aparna Gupta, currently serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Mahoba, has been awarded the prestigious Police Silver Medal for Bravery. Her fearless efforts in combating illegal mining, executing numerous encounters with criminals, and topping the state’s record in swiftly resolving complaints on the CM portal have brought her into the limelight as a shining example of courage and dedication.
Aparna Gupta’s journey to success, however, wasn’t an easy one. Raised in a modest household in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Aparna faced a series of personal and professional challenges on her path to becoming a distinguished officer in the Indian Police Service. Her life story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to her duty.
Aparna completed her early education at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Haldia, where she not only excelled academically but also topped both her 10th and 12th-grade examinations. Despite her early success in education, Aparna’s career initially took a different path. She completed her engineering degree and began working for a software company. However, driven by her mother’s encouragement and vision, she soon decided to pursue the challenging path of civil services.
The inspiration behind Aparna’s decision to become an IPS officer came from her mother, who played a pivotal role in shaping her life. Aparna was the third daughter in her family, and her mother often faced societal stigma for not bearing a son. But instead of being discouraged, Aparna’s mother instilled in her a sense of purpose — to rise above the odds and achieve something extraordinary. Her mother’s relentless support and words, “Show the world what you can achieve,” fueled Aparna’s determination to crack the UPSC examination.
A tragic twist occurred when Aparna’s mother passed away just five days before her civil services examination. Despite the profound grief, Aparna gathered her strength and appeared for the exam, passing the preliminaries in that very attempt. Though she narrowly missed clearing the mains by two marks, she didn’t lose hope. Her mother’s dream continued to guide her, and after years of perseverance, Aparna secured her place in the 2015 IPS batch.
Aparna’s tenure as an IPS officer has been nothing short of remarkable. Her most notable achievement came during her posting in Agra, where she led a high-profile operation to rescue girls who had been trafficked and held captive in a brothel. The girls were found in deplorable conditions, confined in a hidden underground chamber. Aparna vividly recalls the shock and anger she felt upon witnessing their plight. Determined to end their suffering, she orchestrated a successful raid that freed the girls from their captors. This courageous act brought her national attention and cemented her reputation as a fearless officer committed to justice.
During her time in Mahoba, Aparna took on illegal mining operations that were plaguing the region. Her crackdown on these activities earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and the public alike. In addition to her crime-fighting efforts, she made headlines for being the top officer in Uttar Pradesh in efficiently resolving citizen complaints on the CM’s portal, showcasing her dedication to both administrative excellence and public service.
Aparna Gupta’s story is a testament to the power of mental strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome life’s challenges. She attributes her success to the values instilled by her mother, who remains her greatest role model. Aparna’s rise from a software engineer to a trailblazing IPS officer serves as an inspiration to many young women who dream of making a difference in society.
As Aparna continues to serve with distinction, her focus remains on upholding justice, ensuring public safety, and encouraging the next generation of women to pursue their goals with courage and determination. Her journey reminds us all that while adversity may be inevitable, it is the way we confront it that defines our legacy.
With the Police Silver Medal for Bravery now added to her growing list of accolades, Aparna Gupta stands tall as a symbol of integrity and valor in the Indian Police Service.