Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Esha Pandey |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly available (active since 2010 batch IPS) |
| Profession | Indian Police Service (IPS) officer; Writer / Author |
| Current / Recent Role | Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Delhi Police / Additional CP Traffic (as per latest assignment) (Witness In The Corridors) |
| Spouse / Family | Husband: Rajiv; Two sons (referred to as “the K-brothers”) (The Times of India) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Introduction
When you think of people who bridge the worlds of law enforcement and literature, Esha Pandey stands out. A 2010-batch officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS), she has carved a niche for herself in the male-dominated corridors of policing — all while nurturing her passion for storytelling. From policing the busy roads of Delhi to writing evocative short stories, her journey is a testament to grit, balance and empathy. In recent years, her name has surfaced in news related to high-stakes investigations and administrative reshuffling, making her one of the more talked-about officers in the capital.
In this article, we trace her life from early years to her present standing — exploring how she balances her roles as a police officer, writer, wife, and mother, and why her story resonates widely.
Early Life & Education
Details about Esha Pandey’s early childhood — such as her date of birth, hometown, or parents’ names — are not in the public domain. What is known, however, is her academic journey. Through her own disclosures on public platforms, she has stated that she earned a Master’s degree in International Relations and an MPhil in American Studies from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. (Governance Now)
Before joining the civil services, Esha Pandey considered a career in journalism. She worked as a copyeditor at the Times of India (TOI) — a role that likely honed her writing sensibilities and sharpened her engagement with societal issues. (The Times of India)
Thus, by the time she applied to UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), she came with a mix of academic insight and writing flair — attributes that would serve her well in policing and literary pursuits alike.
Family Life
Publicly available information on Esha Pandey’s family is limited but revealing. According to her own blog and interviews:
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She is married to a man named Rajiv, whom she describes as “her partner for life” — someone who supports her in both her policing career and writing ambitions. (The Times of India)
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The couple have two sons, affectionately referred to by her as “the K-brothers.” (The Times of India)
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There is no publicly available, verifiable record of her parents’ or siblings’ names, nor more expansive details about her family background.
Esha has often spoken about the importance of support — from family and society — for women stepping into policing. In a 2018 article, she noted that women still constituted only about 7.28% of the police force, far below the mandated 33%. (Hindustan Times)
Her own journey seems to reflect the very encouragement she advocates: balancing demanding professional responsibilities while nurturing creativity and family life.
Career Trajectory
Joining IPS — 2010 batch (AGMUT cadre)
Esha Pandey joined the Indian Police Service in 2010, under the AGMUT cadre (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories). (Witness In The Corridors)
Early Postings & Lakshadweep Chapter (2014–2016)
One of her early significant assignments was as Superintendent of Police and Commandant, IRBN (India Reserve Battalion) in Lakshadweep during 2014–2016. (The Times of India)
It was during this period that she published her first book — a collection of short stories titled I Will Meet You There. (Governance Now) By blending the life of a civil servant with a writer’s sensibility, this phase gave her dual identities — as a law-enforcer and an author.
Return to Delhi & Diverse Roles (Post-2016)
After her Lakshadweep tenure, Esha returned to Delhi. Over the years, she has served in multiple capacities within the Delhi Police: Additional DCP, Deputy Commissioner (in Central and North Districts), and later DCP in sensitive portfolios like Women & Children. (The Times of India)
Her 2018 reflections — published in a national newspaper — praising past women IPS officers and encouraging young women to join the force reveal her identification with institutional legacy and reformist zeal. (Hindustan Times)
Traffic and Major Assignments — 2020 Onwards
In December 2020, after returning from a deputation in Arunachal Pradesh, she was posted as DCP, Police Control Room (PCR), Delhi Police. (Witness In The Corridors) In 2023, she was transferred as DCP Traffic for Delhi Police. (Witness In The Corridors)
By early 2024, she was appointed Additional CP Traffic, even while she remained attached with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on deputation. (Witness In The Corridors)
Thus, her career reflects a steady progression — from district-level policing to urban traffic management to representing Delhi Police in national-level investigations via CBI deputation.
Writing & Literary Pursuits
Esha Pandey stands out among bureaucrats — not just for her policing record, but for her literary sensibilities.
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Her first collection, I Will Meet You There, comprises 23 short stories. The collection, rich in romance, longing and human emotion, draws praise from notable personalities, reflecting a sensitive literary voice. (Governance Now)
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Beyond that, she has published a second book Someone Exactly Like You (published by Rupa), which is available on stands. (The Times of India)
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Before joining IPS, she worked with Times of India as a copyeditor — indicating an early affinity for writing and journalism. (The Times of India)
Writing remains her way of preserving a humane lens towards life — a balancing act alongside her demanding career in law enforcement.
Recent News & Controversies
Esha Pandey’s name has featured in several recent news items, primarily in the context of high-profile investigations and administrative reshuffles. Below are key episodes:
Deputation to CBI & Manipur Violence Probe (2023–2024)
In September 2023, she was among three Delhi Police IPS officers — along with Shweta Chauhan and another officer — attached to CBI to investigate 11 FIRs linked to the violence in Manipur. (The Indian Express)
This deputation was notable: it was reportedly the first time officers of Delhi Police were assigned by the union government to handle such sensitive, large-scale ethnic-violence investigations under CBI supervision. (The Indian Express)
On 9 August 2024, following requests, the department formally sought their return to Delhi Police. The letter stated that given their promotion (to DIG/Additional CP), their services should now revert to Delhi Police — as the previously required SP-level manpower was no longer the justification. (Hindustan Times)
Thus, Esha Pandey’s name became associated with one of the most sensitive law-and-order assignments of 2023–24, placing her in the spotlight for both the responsibility entrusted and the institutional dynamics of deputation and repatriation.
Administrative Promos & Transfers — 2023–2024
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December 2023: She was reportedly promoted to the rank of DIG / Additional CP in her cadre. (Witness In The Corridors)
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January 2024: Despite her CBI deputation, she was appointed Additional CP Traffic for Delhi Police. (Witness In The Corridors)
While not a controversy per se, these administrative moves reflect the balancing act between national-level deputations and senior policing roles in the capital.
No public record currently attributes any major scandal or overt personal controversy to her. Her career trajectory seems unblemished in the public domain — focused more on policing duties, administrative responsibilities, and her literary interests.
Awards & Achievements
Esha Pandey’s dual identity as a police officer and a writer has earned her recognition in both domains:
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She won the United Nations FPA Award for Excellence for “Best Short Story.” (Governance Now)
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Her debut short-story collection I Will Meet You There received critical acclaim; its forward was written by noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who praised it as an emotional and evocative work. (Governance Now)
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Within policing, her steady rise — from Lakshadweep SP to Delhi’s DCP, to Additional CP Traffic, and deputation to CBI — reflects institutional trust and recognition of her competence.
Her ability to combine empathy (through her writing) with the rigors of policing highlights a rare blend of skills and achievements.
Why Esha Pandey Matters — A Unique Blend
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Representation in Police Force: As a woman officer of 2010 batch in high-visibility roles, she exemplifies breaking gender barriers in Indian policing. In her own writings, she has acknowledged the small percentage of women in police — stressing the need for social support and systemic inclusion. (Hindustan Times)
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Balancing Dual Identities: Many officers find it hard to pursue personal passions alongside policing. Esha Pandey shows that one can — blending the discipline of an IPS officer with the sensibilities of a creative writer.
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Entrusted with Sensitive Probes: Her deputation to CBI for investigating post-violence FIRs in Manipur underscores the trust placed in her — at a time when communal tensions and ethnic violence demand utmost sensitivity, integrity and professionalism.
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Inspiration for Young Aspirants: For many young women — especially those drawn to both public service and creative expression — her journey proves that you don’t have to choose one path; excellence in both is possible.
FAQ — People Also Ask
Who is Esha Pandey IPS?
Esha Pandey is a 2010-batch IPS officer (AGMUT cadre) currently serving in Delhi Police. She is also an author of two books — a short-story collection and a novel — and has combined her policing duties with creative writing.
Which cadre does she belong to?
She belongs to the AGMUT cadre of the Indian Police Service. (Witness In The Corridors)
What is Esha Pandey’s current role?
As of early 2024, she was appointed Additional CP Traffic in the Delhi Police, even while being on deputation to CBI. (Witness In The Corridors)
Is Esha Pandey also an author?
Yes. She debuted with her short-story collection I Will Meet You There, and later published a novel titled Someone Exactly Like You. She has won the United Nations FPA Award for Excellence for her short story writing. (The Times of India)
Was she involved in the investigation of Manipur violence cases?
Yes. In September 2023, she was among three Delhi Police IPS officers attached to CBI for probing several FIRs related to the Manipur violence. (The Indian Express)
Has she faced any controversies?
There is no public record of any personal scandal or controversy linked to her name. Her career appears to be marked by steady promotions, important assignments, and a commitment to both policing and writing.
What educational background does she have?
She earned a Master’s in International Relations and an MPhil in American Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. Before joining IPS, she worked as a copyeditor at Times of India. (Governance Now)
Conclusion
Esha Pandey’s story is more than a standard bureaucratic biography — it is a portrait of modern India’s evolving civil service: one where ambition meets sensitivity, enforcement meets empathy, discipline meets creativity. From the far-flung islands of Lakshadweep to the buzzing streets of Delhi, from crime control rooms to literary spaces, she has navigated multiple roles with competence.
In a profession often overshadowed by headlines of crime and controversy, officers like Esha — who carry both the burden of law and the gift of storytelling — remind us that policing is not just about crime prevention; it is about understanding society, its nuances, and the human heart.

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