IPS Officer PD Nitya Takes Charge as Jodhpur’s DCP East: A Distinguished Policing Career from Jammu & Kashmir to Rajasthan
The Government of Rajasthan has filled a long-pending leadership position in the Jodhpur Police Commissionerate by appointing IPS officer Ms. Nitya Durga Potluri, widely known as IPS PD Nitya, as the new Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), East Jodhpur.
The position had been lying vacant for nearly two and a half months. Her posting marks not only her first assignment in Rajasthan but also a significant transition following her inter-cadre transfer after marriage. She formally assumed charge on November 25, outlining her priorities immediately and signalling a renewed phase of active, citizen-focused policing.
From Chemical Engineering to the IPS : An Unexpected Journey
Born in 1991 in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, Ms. Nitya comes from a background far removed from policing. After completing her B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Raipur, she began her professional career in a cement manufacturing company located in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. Working in intense industrial environments exposed her to the lived realities of workers and rural communities, gradually strengthening her desire to pursue public service on a larger scale.
Motivated by this deeper calling, she resigned from her corporate role and prepared for the Civil Services Examination, securing an impressive All India Rank 213 in the 2015 batch, earning entry into the prestigious Indian Police Service (IPS).
AGMUT Cadre: High-Risk, High-Responsibility Leadership Across J&K
Upon joining the AGMUT cadre, IPS PD Nitya was posted to some of the most challenging and sensitive terrains in Jammu & Kashmir. She underwent probation at the Rajbagh Police Station and later served as SDPO Nehru Park, Srinagar. Her early postings tested her resilience, adaptability and decision-making in conflict-prone zones.
She then served as:
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Leh — policing high-altitude, low-population but strategically critical zones
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Pulwama — one of the most volatile districts, central to J&K’s security landscape
Her tenure was marked by a calm, firm and methodical approach to policing. She earned commendation for strengthening public outreach, enhancing operational discipline and improving coordination among police units in high-risk regions.
New Role in Rajasthan: Rebuilding Trust and Modernising Policing in Jodhpur
Following her marriage to IPS Pankaj Yadav (2022 batch), Ms. Nitya’s cadre transfer from AGMUT to Rajasthan was approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs. As DCP East, Jodhpur, she aims to leverage her frontline experience from Jammu & Kashmir.
Her focus would be on:
Strengthening public trust and community relations
Ensuring professional policing standards
Taking decisive action against drug trafficking and organised crime
Improving law and order preparedness through technology-driven strategies
Her appointment is expected to bring a blend of sensitivity, operational readiness and modern policing philosophies to one of Jodhpur’s most important jurisdictions.
A Policing Model Built on Community, Youth Engagement and Technology
IPS PD Nitya has consistently emphasised citizen-first policing across all her previous assignments. Her work in Leh and Pulwama placed special focus on:
Crimes against women
Cybercrime and digital safety
Drug abuse prevention
Financial fraud investigations
Youth-centred awareness campaigns
Improving accessibility in remote and conflict-affected regions
Her reputation for transparency, accountability and people-centred administration has earned her strong support among citizens as well as within the police force.
Strength in Adversity: A Career Defined by Resilience
Despite her professional accomplishments, Ms. Nitya has also endured profound personal tragedy. In November 2023, she lost her parents and grandmother in a devastating road accident in Chhattisgarh. Even during this emotionally overwhelming period, she continued to fulfil her duties with dignity and unwavering dedication — a testament to her resilience and sense of responsibility.
A Promising Future in Public Service
IPS PD Nitya’s transition from a chemical engineer to one of the most dynamic young IPS officers in the country is a compelling story of determination, service and perseverance. Her extensive experience in conflict-sensitive areas, combined with a modern, technology-based and community-oriented policing approach, positions her to play a transformative role in Rajasthan’s law enforcement landscape.
As she steps into her new role in Jodhpur, expectations are high — and her track record suggests she is more than prepared to deliver.
