IPS officer Vijay Raman, who led encounter against Paan Singh Tomar, dies at 72

This was considered to be one of the biggest achievements of Raman. Besides, Raman was part of multiple anti-terrorist and anti-Naxal operations and worked with different establishments including the MP state police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and railway police.

Veena Raman, his wife, said that while he was under treatment for cancer since it was detected in February this year, his passing away came as a shock as he had been responding to the treatment. “He was admitted to the hospital on September 18 as he complained of breathlessness but we shifted him out of the

ICU on Thursday as he seemed better and were planning to take him home in two-three days.
His passing away was very sudden and shocking for us,” said Veena, adding that a book on
his extraordinary career in the police services was underway and he was eagerly looking forward to its release.

Man of operations who led from front

Speaking to The Indian Express, retired IPS officer N Ramachandran, who is president of the Indian Police Foundation, said, “Vijay Raman was my senior colleague in the Indian Police Service. We worked together for long years in the Special Protection Group. He was not only a close friend but also an exceptional leader known for his professionalism as well as deep compassion. He was an operations man and led from the front. He was very quick in decision making and always took a principled stand. He always supported his team during times of crisis.”

“During the course of our work, we travelled together across India and to many countries and I have fond memories of Vijay. He will be deeply missed. His sudden departure is profoundly shocking, and our thoughts are with his family during this time of grief,” said Ramchandran.

Raman’s many assignments

In 1984, as SP, Special Branch, Bhopal, he played an active role in rescuing and resettling the traumatised citizens during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Also, he was instrumental in the surrender of the dacoits Phoolan Devi and Malkhan Singh.

From 1985 to 1995, in various capacities as Assistant Director and Deputy Director, Special Protection Group (SPG), Delhi, he handled security of four Prime Ministers including Rajiv Gandhi, V P Singh, Chandrashekhar and P V Narasimha Rao.

In 2003 as IG, BSF, Srinagar, he spearheaded the challenging 10-hour encounter that eliminated dreaded terrorist Gazi Baba, the mastermind behind the Parliament attack.

Earlier, in 2000, as IG, BSF, Jammu, Raman was instrumental in construction of the delayed multi-crore project of fencing and floodlighting the international border with Pakistan. In the face of violence and constant tension, Raman and his team had completed the job, and the per-kilometre cost was lower than the projected cost.

Raman received several awards and honours during his 36 years of police service. It included the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 1981, Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1991, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2001. Raman also holds the Guinness World Record and Limca Record in circumnavigation around the world in made in India car in 1993.

Raman retired from service in February 2011. After retirement, he settled down in Pune, but was again selected as one of the three members of the Special Investigating Team (SIT) stationed in Bhopal, to investigate the Vyapam Scam” known for the malpractices of the professional entrance exam in MP. He also gave honorary services as an administrator for two years to Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), Pune.

He is survived by his wife Veena and son Vikram.