Dr. Sanjukta Parashar Appointed as IG in CRPF: A New Chapter in Her Career

Dr. Sanjukta Parashar Takes on New Role

New Delhi: Dr. Sanjukta Parashar, an officer from the 2006 batch of the Indian Police Service, has been appointed as the Inspector General (IG) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This appointment is based on central deputation, with the Home Ministry issuing the relevant orders on August 6. Parashar gained significant recognition for her efforts in counter-insurgency operations in Assam, particularly during her tenure as the Superintendent of Police in Sonitpur, where she led numerous operations. Her rigorous actions against insurgents in challenging terrains earned her the title 'Iron Lady of Assam.' With her new role in the CRPF, she embarks on another significant chapter in her career.

Academic Excellence of Sanjukta Parashar

Born on October 3, 1979, in Assam, Sanjukta Parashar achieved an all-India rank of 85 in the 2005 Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. She completed her early education at Holy Child School in Guwahati and Army School in Narangi. Subsequently, she graduated in Political Science from Indraprastha College for Women, affiliated with Delhi University.

She further pursued a Master's degree in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), followed by an M.Phil and Ph.D. in American Foreign Policy from the School of International Studies at JNU. Her academic journey also included work in Indonesia, establishing a strong foundation before entering the police service.

Leading Operations in Sonitpur

Starting her service in 2008 as an Assistant Commandant, Sanjukta Parashar took on several key responsibilities in Assam. While serving as the Superintendent of Police in Sonitpur, she led 16 anti-insurgency operations over 15 months, resulting in the deaths of 16 insurgents from the NDFB group and the arrest of 64 others.

During her tenure, it was reported that 172 insurgents were imprisoned in 2013 and 175 in 2014. Notably, she was actively present at operation sites rather than merely overseeing them from the office, which contributed to her distinct reputation in challenging and remote areas.

Direct Leadership in Operations

Dr. Parashar became known for her frontline leadership during counter-insurgency operations. Images of her participating in missions while equipped with a bulletproof jacket and an AK-47 garnered significant attention. She emphasized operations based on intelligence and technical surveillance to minimize civilian harm.

Her strategy included targeting the networks supporting insurgents, focusing on their financiers and arms suppliers. Under her leadership, police actions extended beyond mere encounters to dismantling the entire insurgent network.

Community Policing Initiatives

Building trust with local communities was a crucial aspect of Sanjukta Parashar's approach. She organized medical camps, community meetings, and relief material distribution in remote areas to strengthen the relationship between the police and local populations.

She also reached out to families of misguided youth, encouraging them to surrender and reintegrate into society, while promoting education, sports, and civil services among local women and youth.

Significant Role in NIA

After her service in Assam, Sanjukta Parashar held the position of Superintendent of Police and later Deputy Inspector General in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from 2017 to 2023. During this period, she worked on several complex anti-terrorism cases across the country. In January 2024, she was promoted to the rank of Inspector General. Her exemplary service has earned her several accolades, including the President's Police Medal and the Central Home Minister's Medal for Excellence in Police Training in 2022, as well as the Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award for Women's Empowerment.

A New Responsibility in CRPF

Dr. Sanjukta Parashar's appointment as IG in the CRPF marks a significant responsibility in her extensive police career. The CRPF plays a crucial role in the country's internal security, deploying forces for various operations. Her experience, from working in insurgency-affected areas in Assam to investigating complex cases in the NIA, will be invaluable in her new role. This appointment once again highlights her courageous police career and leadership capabilities.