IPS officer Soumya Sambasivan has emerged as one of the most respected and dynamic officers in Himachal Pradesh Police. Known for her firm approach to law enforcement, compassionate outlook, and inspiring leadership, she has carved a niche for herself through a series of remarkable achievements in policing and public service.
Currently serving as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Northern Range, Dharamshala, Soumya has handled several high-profile cases during her career. From cracking down on criminals and solving complex murder cases to busting an inter-state drug cartel, she has earned a reputation as a fearless and efficient police officer. Yet, behind the tough exterior lies a sensitive and creative personality reflected in her poetry collection, Tara the Enchantress.
A few years ago, Soumya made national headlines when a video showing her teaching young girls how to make pepper spray for self-defense went viral on social media. The initiative was widely appreciated and highlighted her commitment to women's safety and empowerment.
Born in Palakkad, Kerala, Soumya is the only child of her parents. Her father served as an engineer in the Military Engineering Services (MES), while her mother is a homemaker. She studied in various parts of the country and is a product of the Kendriya Vidyalaya system. She graduated in Biotechnology from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, and later earned a PGDBA in Marketing and Finance from ICFAI, Hyderabad.
Before joining the Indian Police Service, Soumya worked as an investment banker with HSBC for nearly three years. However, the corporate world failed to provide her with a sense of purpose. Driven by a desire to contribute to society, she decided to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. To her surprise, she cleared the UPSC examination in her very first attempt and entered the IPS.
Like many children, Soumya was uncertain about her future during her early years. Different books and experiences inspired different dreams. Reading Leo Tolstoy made her want to become a writer, James Bond films inspired her to become a filmmaker, and scientific discoveries sparked dreams of becoming a scientist. She believes that every child aspires to do something extraordinary, and those aspirations shape one's journey in life.
During her tenure as Superintendent of Police in Sirmaur district, she launched an innovative initiative to tackle eve-teasing. After receiving repeated complaints from young women and finding that offenders often disappeared before police could reach the spot, she decided to empower girls directly. She taught them how to make pepper spray and use it for self-protection. The initiative proved highly effective, resulting in a significant decline in harassment cases.
Soumya also led the investigation that exposed an inter-state drug trafficking network. Unlike many cases where only lower-level operatives are arrested, this operation successfully reached the masterminds behind the cartel. The accused came from affluent families, held foreign degrees, and moved around in luxury vehicles, making them unlikely suspects. Through meticulous investigation, the police managed to bring them to justice.
One of the most memorable and emotionally challenging cases of her career involved the identification of an unknown woman found murdered in 2016. Since the deceased had a bindi and vermilion on her forehead, she was initially presumed to be a Hindu woman. After no one came forward to claim the body, her last rites were performed according to Hindu customs.
Before closing the case, Soumya took another careful look at the victim's photograph and noticed that her eyebrows appeared recently groomed. She instructed her team to circulate the photograph among beauty salons in the area. A salon owner eventually recognized the woman, leading investigators to her identity. It was later discovered that she was a Muslim woman who had been murdered by her husband.
Learning that the victim's final rites had not been conducted according to her faith deeply troubled Soumya. Determined to provide a dignified closure, she ensured that the woman's remains received the appropriate religious rites. She considers this one of the most moving experiences of her career and believes that justice is not only about solving crimes but also about treating victims with dignity and compassion.
On the question of women in policing, Soumya believes that challenges are not limited to gender. According to her, excellence in any profession inevitably attracts competition and criticism. She often says that the reward for good work is more work and greater responsibility.
Among Indian states, Kerala remains her favorite—not merely because it is her birthplace, but because of its culture of social harmony. She fondly recalls a childhood where people from different faiths celebrated festivals together and shared food and traditions, creating strong bonds of community.
Soumya shares a particularly close relationship with her parents. Wherever she is posted, her parents stay with her. She credits her mother with playing a vital role in her success. During her Civil Services preparation in Delhi, her mother would wait outside coaching classes for hours and carefully compile important newspaper articles to help her studies.
Despite her demanding schedule, Soumya values spirituality and prayer. She considers prayer an important source of strength and balance in her life.
Her advice to women is simple yet powerful: become financially independent. She believes economic dependence is one of the primary reasons many women struggle to make independent choices and face hardships in life.
As a leader, she places immense trust in her police force. She believes that respect, courtesy, and appreciation can significantly improve team morale and performance. According to her, police personnel, like everyone else, seek dignity and recognition. A positive and respectful approach toward colleagues can transform an entire organization's effectiveness.
An avid reader, Soumya enjoys the works of Leo Tolstoy, Salman Rushdie, Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, and Premchand. Literature and poetry continue to nourish the sensitive side of a personality often associated with the rigours of policing.
Through her blend of firmness, empathy, integrity, and public service, Soumya Sambasivan has become one of the most inspiring officers in Himachal Pradesh Police. Her career stands as a reminder that effective policing is not merely about enforcing the law, but also about serving society with humanity, courage, and compassion.