Few stories embody grit and courage like that of Rinku Singh Rahi, the IAS officer who stared death in the face, fought corruption, and rose again to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Shot seven times, losing an eye and enduring multiple surgeries, Rahi’s journey is an extraordinary example of perseverance and integrity.
From Aligarh to Muzaffarnagar — A Reformer’s Rise
A native of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rinku Singh Rahi began his civil service career in 2007 after clearing the PSC exam, becoming a District Social Welfare Officer. In June 2008, posted in Muzaffarnagar, he brought in reforms aimed at transparency and accountability, including publishing scholarship fund allocations in newspapers to prevent embezzlement.
This bold move exposed several corruption scandals, shaking up vested interests and earning Rahi both praise and powerful enemies.
The Day That Changed His Life Forever
Rahi’s anti-corruption stand came at a cost. In March 2009, while still in service, he was attacked and shot seven times — three bullets hit his head, shattering his jaw. He lost an eye and spent four months in hospital, fighting for his life.
But instead of being silenced, Rahi returned stronger. He took charge of the IAS-PCS coaching centre, continued to stage protests against corruption, and even faced suspension in 2018 for exposing scams.
A Second Life, A Second Chance
Refusing to give up, Rahi turned his hardships into motivation. In 2022, he cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination under the disability quota with an All India Rank (AIR) 683, proving that no adversity is bigger than human willpower.
An Inspiration for a Generation
Today, Rahi is celebrated as one of India’s most courageous civil servants — a man who refused to compromise his principles even when it nearly cost him his life. His story is widely shared on social media, inspiring thousands of UPSC aspirants and young citizens to stand for integrity and justice.
“My journey was never about surviving; it was about fighting back and proving that honesty still matters,” Rahi has said in interviews.