For the Masses
A man with impeccable manners, humility and unwavering modesty, senior IPS Officer Sunil Dutt belies common perceptions about men in uniform. The first thing that strikes you about the 1993 batch Indian Police Service Officer is that he is a man who loves life. The other striking feature is his distinct people-centered approach, which often goes well beyond the call of duty.
Donning the uniform had been Sunil’s aspiration as a child. After graduating in Commerce and obtaining an MBA degree from Punjab University, he got selected for the IPS in 1993. Right from his earliest posting as IPS (probationer) at Jodhpur or as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ajmer, Sunil was right on job with a firm footing . A short stint as the Commandant of RAC at Bharatpur was a prelude to challenging innings as the Superintendent of Police in districts of Jhalawar, Jaisalmer, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa and Shri Ganganagar. He was promoted as Deputy Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch) and later served as the Inspector General of Police in Armed Battalion and Telecommunications. Subsequent postings as the Range IG of Bharatpur and Jodhpur, saw the dynamic officer straight into action. In 2018, he got promoted as Additional Director General of Police and was posted as ADG (Telecommunications) followed by ADG (Anti Human Trafficking) in the following year. At present he is posted as ADG (Technical Services) responsible for introduction of new technology initiatives in Rajasthan Police.
Dutt’s policing style has not always been of wielding the stick. Regardless of where he was posted in the state, he led his teams with community-connect initiatives. His posting in district Jhalawar, known for opium loot during those days, saw focused deterrence efforts. Building on the distinct strengths of both police and the community, he set up temporary Opium Collection Centres. Likewise in Jaisalmer, Dutt spearheaded ‘Border Mitra Yojana’ to combat anti-national activities like spying in the region by establishing intelligence-sharing between local youth and police). Under the aegis of ‘Operation Desert Cop,’ he launched assistance booths at various tourist places to protect tourists from the menace of ‘lapkas.’
In line with his desire to work towards the larger good, he initiated an anti-addiction movement In Sri Ganganagar by roping in local NGOs. At Sawai Madhopur & Dausa he implemented a unique motivational scheme and made police stations compete among themselves. Likewise, he successfully implemented ‘Operation Khushi’ I, II & III to track missing children during his posting as Additional Director General of Police (Anti Human Trafficking). His tenure as Additional Director General of Police (Telecommunications) saw the transition of Rajasthan Police from analog to digital technology.
His uniform was embellished with the President’s Police medal for outstanding police service in the year 2009. In 2010 he went to Cambridge University to undergo domain specialisation in the latest innovations adopted by the police in UK and other countries. He has been chosen for the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service on the eve of Independence Day 2020.
With simplicity imbibed from his home-maker mother Smt. Mohinder, he was guided by his father Sh. Jogendra Paul, a retired government officer. His family has been a pillar of strength throughout his career. He is married to Ruplekha who is currently heading National Insurance Company, Region Jaipur. His daughter Srishti, an NLU-Delhi alumni, is also working with National Insurance Company as a Legal Officer. His son Swapnil has completed his Masters in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. His wife and daughter are voracious readers while son is a fitness freak.
A rapturous devotee of Sufi music, it is in its melody, rhythm, and lyrics that he finds profound solace. An ace golfer and a fitness freak, regular walking and swimming form a part of Sunil’s regimen.
