Rachita Juyal, a former Indian Police Service officer of the 2015 batch of the Uttarakhand cadre, passed the UPSC exam on her first attempt. She served as Superintendent of Police (Vigilance). She was born in Dehradun. Her father, B.D. Juyal, was an inspector in the police department, and her grandfather, J.P. Juyal, was also a police officer, who inspired her to join the police service from an early age. She received her primary education from Carbon School in Dehradun, and her higher education, including a BBA and MBA, from a private university.
She then began preparing for the UPSC CSE 2014, securing an all-India rank of 215, becoming an IPS officer.
During her 10-year tenure, she held several important positions, including Superintendent of Police (Vigilance), and resigned from her post in 2015. She is primarily known for her strict action against corruption and impartial investigations of high-profile cases. Known for her active involvement in social causes and social service, she has been honored several times at the local level for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic and on a regular basis through various NGOs.
Her main works:
Haridwar Municipal Corporation Land Scam
This has been the most controversial case of her career. Rachita Juyal was appointed to lead a five-member special vigilance team formed on the instructions of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Following an impartial investigation, she suspended two IAS officers, one PCS officer, and approximately 12 other government officials and employees. The investigation resulted in the cancellation of land claims related to the scam and the recovery of any losses to the government treasury.
Crackdown on corruption within the police department.
While serving as Vigilance Superintendent of Police, she took action against corrupt elements within the police department, catching the Dehradun ISBT outpost in-charge red-handed while accepting bribes and sending him to jail. This strong action was widely discussed in the court circles.
Cyber Crime and Safety of Devotees
During the Char Dham Yatra, she launched a campaign against cybercriminals who were duping pilgrims from India and abroad under the guise of helicopter tickets and tour packages. Under her direction, the Uttarakhand Police blocked more than 37 fake social media platforms and fake websites that were defrauding devotees by posing as IRCTC.
Administrative and Regional Appointments
She also served as ADC to the Governor of Uttarakhand, where she handled important protocol and administrative tasks for the Governor. She held the positions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) in districts like Almora and Bageshwar, where she focused on strengthening local law and order and women’s safety.