Books Written By or About Indian IPS Officers: A Glimpse into India’s Unsung Heroes

India’s civil services are often associated with prestige and power, but behind the khaki uniform of the Indian Police Service (IPS) lie stories of incredible grit, selflessness, and dedication. While movies and media sometimes bring these tales into the limelight, many IPS officers have chosen to pen their own journeys—or become subjects of riveting biographies and case-based accounts. These books offer an insider’s look into the heart of India’s law enforcement and its fight against crime, corruption, and terrorism.

This article presents a comprehensive list of notable books written by or on Indian IPS officers. These works are not only inspiring but also help ordinary citizens understand the incredible pressures and challenges faced by the men and women in uniform.

1. Bihar Diaries by Amit Lodha

Bihar Diaries is among the most popular books written by an IPS officer. Authored by Amit Lodha, it recounts his real-life chase of a dreaded criminal in Bihar. The book is not only a thrilling police procedural but also a deep commentary on the nexus between politics and crime in the hinterlands. Its impact was such that it was adapted into the Netflix web series Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, bringing Lodha’s bravery to a wider audience. His honesty and vulnerability in the book have made it a bestseller.

2. Life in the Uniform by Amit Lodha

In this more introspective work, Amit Lodha narrates what it really means to wear the police uniform. Unlike the action-packed Bihar Diaries, Life in the Uniform focuses on the emotional highs and lows of serving in the police force. From feelings of helplessness during public unrest to moments of triumph after solving a case, Lodha takes the reader deep into the moral dilemmas and daily grind of an IPS officer’s life.

3. Head Held High by Vishwas Nangre Patil

Vishwas Nangre Patil, a celebrated IPS officer from Maharashtra, tells his inspiring story in Head Held High. Born into a humble family in rural India, Patil faced numerous social and financial obstacles on his way to cracking the UPSC examination. The book is not only autobiographical but motivational, encouraging thousands of rural youth to believe in their dreams. His role during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks also features prominently and showcases the immense responsibility of an IPS officer in crisis situations.

4. Crime, Grime and Gumption by O.P. Singh

In this memoir, O.P. Singh, a 1983 batch IPS officer, shares fascinating stories from his extensive career. From disaster management during floods to handling the Kumbh Mela and the Ayodhya verdict, the book offers a wide perspective on the complex duties of a senior IPS officer. Singh’s calm demeanor and strategic thinking come through in his writing, making this an excellent read for those interested in administrative leadership.

5. Human in Khaki by Ashok Kumar

Currently serving as the DGP of Uttarakhand, Ashok Kumar’s Human in Khaki is a heartfelt collection of real-life incidents encountered during his career. The stories underline his approach to “people-oriented policing”—a model where empathy, patience, and communication are valued just as much as law enforcement. The book’s appeal is enhanced by its availability in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, and Bengali.

6. Khaki Files by Neeraj Kumar

Former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar wrote Khaki Files as a compilation of his most memorable cases. The book reads like a collection of crime thrillers, each story offering suspense and insight into police investigation techniques. From high-profile kidnappings to underworld operations, the book also reflects on the bureaucratic and political hurdles faced by officers in major cities.

7. The Whole Truth: CBI Top Cop Speaks by N.K. Singh

N.K. Singh served in both the IPS and CBI, and in this memoir, he opens up about some of India’s most politically sensitive cases, including the arrest of Indira Gandhi. His book is a rare look into the power dynamics between politics and policing. It offers a critical view of how law enforcement functions when dealing with the top brass of Indian politics.

8. Whispers in the Shadows by M.A. Ganapathy

A rather unusual yet engaging book, Whispers in the Shadows blends crime and the supernatural. M.A. Ganapathy, a former NSG chief, explores paranormal experiences through the eyes of a police officer. While fictional, the book draws heavily from real-life observations, giving readers a unique mix of mystery and procedural accuracy.

9. An Unlikely Police Chief by B.L. Vohra

In An Unlikely Police Chief, B.L. Vohra shares his transformative journey from growing up in a refugee camp after the Partition to becoming a top IPS officer. His story is not just a personal memoir but also a social commentary on how perseverance and public service can break through systemic limitations. His experiences during postings in the Northeast and counter-insurgency operations are especially revealing.

10. The Struggle for Police Reforms in India by Prakash Singh

Prakash Singh is perhaps most famous for his PIL that led to the Supreme Court mandating police reforms in India. In his book, Singh analyzes why India’s policing system is still stuck in the colonial mindset and what needs to be done to modernize it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in public policy, legal studies, or governance.

Bonus Section: Intelligence and Espionage

While not all intelligence officers are from the IPS, several of them have penned impactful books worth mentioning:

  • Open Secrets by Maloy Krishna Dhar – An explosive memoir by a former IB officer.
  • The Unending Game by Vikram Sood – Offers insights into India’s foreign intelligence operations through the eyes of an ex-RAW chief.

Conclusion

The khaki uniform often remains a symbol of both fear and respect. But behind the badges are individuals with complex journeys, emotional challenges, and steadfast dedication to justice. The books listed above do more than just narrate thrilling stories—they humanize the police force and offer perspectives rarely seen by the public. Whether you are an aspiring civil servant, a policy enthusiast, or a curious reader, these works offer invaluable insights into India’s policing and governance.

By chronicling their struggles and victories, these IPS officers have created a body of literature that not only informs but also inspires. Their words serve as a mirror to society and a guide for future generations.

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