Redefining Leadership in Investigations: Investigation Leadership Award (2017), Conferred by the Minister of Tribal Affairs

Ms. Nidhi Jain – India’s Only Woman Detective to Be Honoured with This Rare National Recognition

In an unprecedented moment of pride for Sleuths India and the entire private investigation community, Ms. Nidhi Jain, the firm’s Director, was honoured with the prestigious ‘Investigation Leadership Award’ in 2017, making her the only woman detective in India to have ever received this high-level distinction.

The award was conferred by Shri Jual Oram, the then Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, at a glittering national ceremony held during the 12th Security Skills & Leadership Summit, hosted at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi, on December 16–17, 2017. The moment was a significant milestone not just in Ms. Jain’s illustrious career, but also for the representation of women in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

A Journey of Vision, Grit and Quiet Revolution

Ms. Nidhi Jain’s rise to the top of India’s private investigation industry is a story of unwavering grit, strategic foresight, and quiet revolution. As the Director of Sleuths India, she has been the driving force behind the company’s nationwide expansion, overseeing operations across its branch offices and leading investigations from the front.

Her responsibilities extend far beyond administration—she actively collaborates with branch managers, mentors investigative teams, and remains deeply involved in some of the most complex cases handled by the agency. Under her stewardship, Sleuths India has grown from a modest beginning to a multi-crore enterprise, establishing itself as a market leader in the Indian investigation sector.

A Ceremony of Prestige and National Importance

The award ceremony was a grand affair, drawing eminent personalities from across the nation. The event—hosted as part of the 12th Security Skills & Leadership Summit—featured a distinguished gathering that included:
- Maharaja Raghubir Singh Ji
- Kunwar Vikram Singh
- Gen. Dr. V. K. Singh, Hon’ble MoS, Foreign Affairs
- Dr. Vikram Singh, IPS (Retd.), Former DGP (U.P.)
- Lt. Gen. K. J. Singh (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM with Bar
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji
- Maj. Gen. K. Majumdar (Retd.)
- Maj. Gen. Umang Sethi (Retd.)
- Sh. C. Pal Singh, Former IGP
- Sh. B. S. Sial, IPS (Retd.), Former DGP, Karnataka
- Maj. Gen. A. K. Sakhuja, CEO, SSSDC
- Lt. Gen. Rajender Singh, PVSM, SM, VSM, Former DG Infantry, Indian Army

With over 500 senior leaders, policymakers, defence veterans, and corporate professionals in attendance, the moment Ms. Nidhi Jain took the stage was met with resounding applause—a symbolic victory for every woman who aspires to lead against the odds.

Awarded for Unmatched Leadership in Private Investigations

This recognition stands as a validation of Ms. Jain’s outstanding track record, her ethical investigative practices, and her role in shaping Sleuths India into one of the most respected names in the industry.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the award was conferred through the Minister of Tribal Affairs, while being part of a structured evaluation process carried out under the framework of a national investigative body—the Association of Professional Detectives and Investigators (APDI). Their combined endorsement reflects both institutional and governmental appreciation for Ms. Jain’s leadership.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

In receiving this award, Ms. Nidhi Jain didn’t just add another accolade to her profile—she broke a glass ceiling. Her name now stands as a beacon for other women in India who aspire to succeed in fields traditionally reserved for men. Over her decade-long career, she has:
- Led complex investigations with discretion and impact
- Built and scaled a multi-city investigative operation
- Delivered consistently high client satisfaction
- Represented Sleuths India in major media and professional forums
- Set new benchmarks for integrity and professionalism

An Inspiration Within and Beyond the Industry

Ms. Jain’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating Sleuths India to where it stands today—a pan-India agency known for credibility, confidentiality, and excellence. Her story is not just one of professional success, but of perseverance, innovation, and quiet strength.

As the Director, she has exemplified everything the company stands for—precision, ethics, and fearless pursuit of the truth. Sleuths India, now a household name in the investigation space, owes much of its success to her enduring commitment and sharp instincts.

Conclusion

The Investigation Leadership Award (2017), conferred by the Minister of Tribal Affairs and supported by APDI, stands as a milestone achievement in Indian private investigation history. It honours not just a leader, but a visionary woman who redefined what’s possible in the world of investigations.

Sleuths India proudly salutes Ms. Nidhi Jain’s unwavering dedication, trailblazing leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence—values that continue to drive the agency forward, year after year.