Our Bureau
New Delhi
Senior IPS officer Sanjukta Parashar has taken charge as Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) elite CoBRA unit, becoming the first woman to head the specialised jungle-warfare force.
Parashar, a 2006-batch IPS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, succeeds 1996-batch officer Danesh Rana. The appointment marks a significant leadership change in the 10-battalion force, which specialises in counter-insurgency operations and jungle warfare.
Known as the “Iron Lady of Assam”, Parashar has built her reputation through counter-insurgency and field-policing assignments in the Northeast. Her career also includes service with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), where she gained experience in national security investigations.
CoBRA, or Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, is a specialised CRPF force trained to operate in difficult forest and hilly terrain. Its primary role has been countering Maoist insurgency and other armed extremist threats. Two CoBRA units were recently deployed in Manipur amid continuing security challenges.
Parashar’s appointment comes as security forces continue to operate in areas affected by insurgency and armed violence. Her experience in field operations and investigations is expected to be relevant to the responsibilities of the post.
The appointment also highlights the growing presence of women officers in senior operational and leadership positions within India’s central armed police forces.