From Dropping Out To ‘Encounter Specialist’: The Inspiring Journey Of An IPS Officer – News18

Last Updated:January 30, 2025, 09:50 IST

IPS officer Nipun Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Lucknow, overcame challenges to achieve success. Honoured with a Gallantry Award, he is known for his bravery.

Nipun Agarwal, currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Lucknow, has had a career full of milestones and achievements. His journey from dropping out of school to becoming an IPS officer is a testament to his resilience and dedication. His journey to the IPS was not an easy one. Agrawal overcame personal hardships and professional challenges to become a symbol of success and bravery.

Born on November 6, 1985, in Aliganj, Lucknow, he faced significant challenges from a young age. His mother was diagnosed with cancer while he was preparing for his 12th-grade exams, forcing him to take a break from his studies to care for her. Just when he thought things might improve, his father suffered a heart attack, and his family faced multiple losses. Yet, despite these personal tragedies, Nipun’s parents encouraged him to pursue his dreams, instilling in him the belief that he could follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, an IRS officer.

Academic Excellence And A Shift In Career Goals

After completing his 12th exams, Agarwal enrolled at JP College in Noida to pursue BTech in Computer Science. He faced personal losses during this time, including the death of his mother in 2008. However, Nipun completed his BTech in 2009 and received a job offer from TCS with a good package. Yet, his dream was always to become an IPS officer, and he decided to reject the lucrative job offer to pursue UPSC preparation.

UPSC Struggles And Success

Agarwal’s pursuit of the IPS was not without challenges. He appeared for the UPSC exam multiple times before finally achieving success in 2016, securing the 197th rank on his sixth attempt. His persistence and hard work paid off, and he was appointed as an IPS officer in the 2017 batch.

Encounter Specialist IPS Nipun Agarwal IPS

Throughout his career, Agarwal has held several key positions, including serving as SP City in Ghaziabad and as ASP in Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, he was responsible for security arrangements during the historic Ram Mandir Bhumi Pujan in 2020. His leadership skills were crucial during the tense period following the Babri Masjid verdict in 2019, where he ensured the safety and security of the region.

His courage and commitment to justice earned him the title of “Encounter Specialist.” In 2022, as SP City in Ghaziabad, Nipun Agarwal eliminated notorious criminal Rakesh Dujana, who had a Rs 50,000 bounty on his head. He also played a key role in solving a woman’s murder case and sending mafia boss Lakhshya Tanwar to jail under the Gangster Act, seizing assets worth over Rs 100 crores.

Recognition For Excellence

Due to his exceptional service and bravery, Nipun Agarwal has been honoured with the Gallantry Award. His story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that determination, hard work, and resilience can turn even the most difficult circumstances into a stepping stone for success.