Shimla: IPS officer Tilotama Verma, a highly respected member of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has retired after an illustrious career spanning over 34 years. Born in Shimla and daughter of former Himachal Pradesh DGP Rati Ram Verma, she carried forward her family’s strong policing legacy to become one of India’s most admired law enforcement officers.
Courage and Firsts in Policing
A 1990-batch IPS officer, Verma is widely recognised for her courage, integrity, and reform-oriented approach. In 2002, she became the first woman IPS officer in Uttar Pradesh to receive the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, following a high-risk operation in Hathras where she rescued two children while confronting armed criminals. This daring act cemented her reputation as a fearless field officer.
Anti-Corruption Efforts at CBI
From 2006 to 2011, Verma served as DIG (Anti-Corruption) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Her tenure was marked by strict action against corruption involving senior officials. She was praised for maintaining neutrality and ensuring investigations were free from political influence, earning the trust of both the government and the public.
International Recognition in Wildlife Protection
Verma’s role as Inspector General of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) brought her international acclaim. She led efforts to dismantle organised wildlife trafficking networks, tackling tiger poaching and illegal cross-border smuggling. For her contributions to wildlife protection, she received multiple global honours, including the Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award.
Reforms in Police Training
In the final phase of her career, Verma served as Director General (Training) at the Uttar Pradesh Police Headquarters. She introduced major reforms in police training, focusing on scientific investigation techniques, behavioural training, and gender sensitisation. Her leadership enhanced the preparedness of officers for high-pressure events such as the 2025 Maha Kumbh, leaving a lasting impact on the training ecosystem.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Throughout her career, IPS Tilotama Verma remained a model of discipline, courage, and dedication to public service. Her journey—from her roots in Shimla to national leadership roles in policing and wildlife protection—has inspired countless young officers, especially women aspiring to serve in law enforcement.
As she steps into retirement, Verma leaves behind a trailblazing legacy defined by fearless fieldwork, integrity in investigations, and visionary institution-building, setting a benchmark for the Indian policing fraternity for years to come.
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