Rajani Pandit Revealed: India’s First Female Detective – Spying on Marriages, Crime Busting, and Her Time in Jail

Image Source: Raj Sharmani

Rajani Pandit, born in 1962 in Maharashtra, India, stands out as the first female private detective in the country. Her career is a remarkable journey from a curious child to a pioneering investigator.

Early Life

• Birth and Family: Born in Maharashtra, India, Rajani grew up in a middle-class family with her father, Shantaram Pandit, serving as a sub-inspector in the local police.
• Early Curiosity: As a child, she was highly inquisitive. At eight, she checked a deceased woman’s body to confirm death. By eleven, she exposed a counterfeit gift.
• Education: Studied Marathi literature at Ruparel College, Mumbai.
• Initial Work: Worked as an office clerk before venturing into private investigation.

Career Development

• Starting Her Agency: In 1986, Rajani established the Rajani Investigative Bureau, becoming the first female detective in India.
• Facing Challenges: Encountered gender bias, with some newspapers refusing to print her ads, doubting a woman’s capability in the field.
• Notable Cases:
  • Solved a significant murder case by going undercover as a servant for six months.
  • Utilized traditional detective methods like disguise and surveillance.
• Growth and Expansion:
  • By 2003, employed eight detectives and served multinational companies.
  • By 2010, her team had expanded to 30 detectives, managing around 20 cases per month.

Controversies

• 2018 Arrest:
  • Arrested in February 2018 in connection with a scam involving the illegal sale of call data records (CDRs).
  • Authorities raided her home and seized laptops and CDs.
  • Released on bail after 40 days, denying all wrongdoing. No evidence proved intentional misconduct or harm.

Awards and Recognition

• Honors:
  • Received the Hirkani Award from Doordarshan for her achievements.
  • Featured in the documentary film “Lady James Bond.”
  • Highlighted in a Humans of Bombay post in October 2018.
• Film Adaptation:
  • “Kuttrapayirchi,” a Tamil film based on her life, stars actress Trisha and was scheduled for pre-production in early 2018.

Recent Podcast

• Advice from Rajani Pandit:
  • In a recent podcast with Raj Sharmani, she shared tips on becoming a private detective in India.
  • Emphasized the importance of keen observation, patience, and ethical practices.
  • Suggested gaining experience in related fields, building a network, and staying updated on legal and investigative methods.

Personal Life

• Marital Status: Remains unmarried, focusing on her career rather than balancing family and work.

Rajani Pandit’s story is a testament to her perseverance and pioneering spirit, breaking societal norms and paving the way for future women in private investigation.