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.
