IPS officers Satyaveer Singh and (below) Natasha Gudia. Pictures by Deepak Kumar

Patna, Jan. 7: They are a newly married couple ready to take up the tough challenges posed by their profession.

Natasha Guria and Satyaveer Singh are both IPS officers from the 2008 batch. While Natasha is posted as assistant superintendent of police, Fatuha (Patna), her husband Satyaveer is posted in Nawada, one of the worst Naxalite-hit districts of Bihar.

The distance makes it almost impossible for the two to meet frequently. But the two were together today, not as husband and wife, but as young and promising officers leading a police parade.

The Bihar police are all set to organise a first-time function to display its capabilities before the public at the historic Gandhi Maidan. Natasha and Satyaveer have been selected to lead the parade which is likely to be held on January 15.

Only a week is left for the function and both of the young officers are busy with the parade rehearsal.

“It will be a new experience for us,” said the IPS couple when this correspondent spotted them at the state police headquarters on Thursday. For the couple, it will be the first time they will attend such a mega police function after their passing out parade organised at the National Police Academy, Hyderabad, in 2009.

The parade is being held to honour the public for helping the police in probe of important criminal cases and also reward police personnel for their commendable performance in carrying out difficult investigations. Chief minister Nitish Kumar is likely to be the chief guest at the function.

Natasha, a resident of Jharkhand, was earlier allotted Orissa cadre. Her cadre was later changed and she was posted in Bihar after she got married to her batchmate Satyaveer, a native of Uttar Pradesh.

A senior police officer posted at the state police headquarters said that the main objective behind organising the function is to apprise the public of the capabilities of the police force. While the personnel of the Special Task Force (STF) will show their expertise in special operations against Naxalites and notorious criminal gangs, Mounted Military Police (MMP) personnel will present their skill in special operations in diaras and river belts.

“Events like tent pegging will be one of the main attractions of the function. Dog squads will show how sniffer dogs detect landmines and other suspicious articles,” said a senior police officer.

He said the criminal investigation department will organise an exhibition like the one it hosts at the Sonepur cattle fair. The Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) will also participate in the function.

The personnel of the Bihar home guards and fire service will also display their skills. Latest equipment provided to the fire brigade will be displayed on the occasion. The policemen to be honoured with awards for meritorious and distinguished services have been asked to be present at the function.

“The date of police function is yet to be finalised. But preparations are going on in full swing,” said additional director-general (headquarters) P.K. Thakur.