A video showing a tense exchange between Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij and Kaithal Superintendent of Police, Upasana has gone viral, drawing public attention to the young IPS officer’s professional stand on jurisdiction and procedure. Here is a closer look at who she is and her career so far.2017-batch IPS officer with firm administrative recordUpasana is a 2017-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer currently serving as the 50th Superintendent of Police (SP) of Kaithal in Haryana. She has previously held the same post from September 18, 2023, to August 17, 2024, before being posted as SP, RTC Bhondsi, and later returning to Kaithal.Within the state police setup, she is known for her emphasis on maintaining law and order, women’s safety, and a strict stance against corruption and drug abuse.Educational background and early lifeHailing from Nangal Moondi village in Rewari district of Haryana, Upasana completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma) before clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination to join the IPS. Her academic shift from pharmacy to policing is often cited as an example of career versatility among civil service aspirants.Reputation for professionalism and composureColleagues describe Upasana as a calm but firm officer who relies heavily on legal procedure and administrative hierarchy. Her recent viral exchange, where she maintained that she lacked jurisdiction to suspend an ASI posted in another district, has reinforced her image as a rule-bound officer who prioritises due process over political pressure.Focus areas as SP KaithalDuring her tenure in Kaithal, Yadav has concentrated on, strengthening crime prevention measures, enhancing women’s safety initiatives, Crackdown on narcotics and substance abuse and transparent handling of land and property-related disputesPersonal lifeUpasana is married to Dr Balpreet Singh, a 2019-batch IAS officer currently serving as CEO of the Khadi Board and Director, Archives.Why she is being widely discussedThe February 13 grievance redressal meeting incident brought her into the national spotlight after she asserted that suspension of an officer posted in Kurukshetra fell outside her jurisdiction. Her composed handling of the confrontation, even after sharp remarks, has led many to praise her professionalism and adherence to institutional protocol.
