After remaining vacant for nearly two and a half months, the crucial post of DCP East in the Jodhpur Police Commissionerate has finally been filled. The government has appointed Ms. Nitya Durga Potluri, popularly known as Ms. PD Nitya, an IPS officer who earlier served as Senior Superintendent of Police in Jammu. This posting marks her first assignment in Rajasthan, following her cadre transfer after marriage. She assumed charge on November 25, setting clear priorities from day one and signalling a new era of proactive policing in the region.
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Journey From Corporate Engineering to the Civil Services
Born in 1991 in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, Ms. Nitya’s early life was far removed from law enforcement. A B.Tech graduate in Chemical Engineering from Raipur, she began her career in a cement company located in the industrial belt of Chandrapur, Maharashtra. The challenging environment exposed her to grassroots realities and strengthened her resolve to contribute directly to public service. Motivated by this experience, she left her corporate job to prepare for the Civil Services Examination, securing an impressive All India Rank of 213 in the 2015 batch.
AGMUT Cadre Experience: From Leh’s High Altitude to Pulwama’s High Tension
Upon joining the IPS in the AGMUT cadre, Ms. Nitya was posted to some of the most sensitive regions in Jammu and Kashmir. She completed her probation at Rajbagh police station, later becoming SDPO Nehru Park in Srinagar. Her leadership was put to the test when she was appointed SSP Leh and subsequently SSP Pulwama, one of the most sensitive districts from a security perspective. Known for her calm but firm administrative style, she earned recognition for effective policing, community outreach and professional discipline during her tenure.
Her New Responsibility: Strengthening Policing in Jodhpur
Following her marriage to 2022-batch IPS officer Mr. Pankaj Yadav, the Home Ministry approved her inter-cadre transfer from AGMUT to Rajasthan. Taking charge as DCP East, Jodhpur, Ms. Nitya shared that her policing experience in Jammu and Kashmir has shaped her approach and that her focus in Rajasthan will be on strengthening public trust, ensuring professional policing and taking firm action against drug-related crimes. Her arrival is expected to reinvigorate policing in the eastern region of the city, bringing a blend of field experience and modern policing methods.
Professional Focus: Community, Youth and Technology-Led Policing
During her service in Leh, Ms. Nitya placed strong emphasis on community-oriented policing, cracking down on crimes against women, cyber offences, drug abuse and financial fraud. She consistently worked toward bridging the communication gap between citizens and the police, especially in regions where terrain and conflict hinder accessibility. Her focus on youth engagement, awareness drives and technology-enabled policing earned appreciation from both residents and police personnel.
Resilience Amid Personal Challenges
Despite her rapid career progression, Ms. Nitya’s journey has not been without hardship. In November 2023, she lost her parents and grandmother in a tragic road accident in Chhattisgarh. Even during this period of immense personal loss, she continued to uphold her responsibilities with dedication, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength.
A Young Officer With a Strong Future in Public Service
With diverse experience across conflict-prone zones, high-altitude regions and challenging field postings, Ms. PD Nitya brings a modern, disciplined and citizen-centric approach to policing. Her first assignment in Rajasthan marks a new chapter, one expected to contribute significantly to Jodhpur’s law and order landscape. Her journey from chemical engineering to becoming a highly respected IPS officer stands as an inspiring example for young aspirants across the country.
