Payoshi Bisht, Pune
High-profile former IPS Officer Vijay Raman, who is celebrated for spearheading the police encounter operation of the athlete-turned dacoit, Paan Singh Tomar in 1981 passed away in Pune on Friday morning. As per the sources, he had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year in February and was admitted to the ICU ward of Jupiter Hospital, Pune after he complained of breathing difficulties as revealed by his wife, Veena Raman.
He was a part of the 1975 batch of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers as well as served as the superintendent of police in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind district where he led the 14-hour encounter with the notorious dacoit Paan Singh Tomar on October 1, 1981. He has also been a part of many anti-Naxal and counter-terrorism operations in India working closely with many government organizations such as the MP police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and the Railway Police.
As an IG, BSF, Srinagar, he led the challenging 10-hour encounter operation of the notorious terrorist Ghazi Baba who was responsible for the terrorist attack on Parliament, and was also appointed as the superintendent of police of the Special Branch in Bhopal in 1984 where Raman was instrumental in rescuing and resettling residents impacted by the Bhopal gas tragedy. He is also known for his active involvement in the capture of infamous dacoits like Phoolan Devi and Malkhan Singh. He retired from the police force in February 2011 and permanently settled down in Pune.
According to the statement released by Vijay’s brother-in-law Abhijit Pendharkar, Vijay’s family had been staying at Baner in Pune after his retirement from the police force. This year in February cancer was detected.
The news of his sudden demise left his family and relatives in a state of shock as even after being admitted into the hospital, Raman showed signs of improvement and the family was keen on bringing him home in a couple of days. In conclusion, Vijay Raman’s efforts and achievements during his career were extremely laudable and proud accomplishments for India as a nation, and those who had the opportunity of working with him, his colleagues, and juniors mourn his passing as a heavy loss. His last rites were performed during the daytime in the presence of his close family members and dignitaries from the government and the police department. He is survived by his wife Veena Raman and son Vikram Raman.