Sanjukta Parashar, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2006 batch, is a name synonymous with courage, determination, and resilience. Known as the "Iron Lady of Assam," she has carved a niche for herself in the annals of Indian law enforcement through her fearless fight against militancy and crime. With an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Sanjukta has not only broken gender barriers but also inspired countless individuals aspiring to serve the nation.
Early Life and Background
Sanjukta Parashar was born on October 3, 1979, in Assam, India, into a family that valued education and public service. Her father, Dulal Chandra Barua, was an engineer with the Irrigation Department of Assam, while her mother, Meena Devi, served in the Assam Health Services. Growing up in Assam, a state known for its rich cultural heritage and complex socio-political challenges, Sanjukta was exposed to the realities of ethnic conflicts and militancy from an early age. Her formative years were spent in Lakhimpur and later Guwahati, where she completed her schooling.
Sanjukta’s early life was marked by a blend of academic rigor and extracurricular engagement. She attended Holy Child School in Guwahati for her Class X and later completed her Class XII from Army School, Narangi. A bright student with a keen interest in sports, she participated in swimming, biking, and running, activities that would later reflect her physical resilience as an IPS officer. Her childhood experiences in Assam, coupled with her parents’ dedication to public service, planted the seeds for her future career in law enforcement.
Education: A Scholar Turned IPS Officer
Sanjukta Parashar’s academic journey is as impressive as her policing career. After completing her schooling, she moved to New Delhi to pursue higher education. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Honors) from Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University. Her passion for understanding global dynamics led her to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where she earned a Master’s degree in International Relations.
Not content with just a postgraduate degree, Sanjukta pursued an M.Phil., focusing on US-ASEAN relations, and later completed her Ph.D. in US foreign policy. Her doctoral research took her to Indonesia, showcasing her dedication to academic excellence. This scholarly background earned her the title "Dr. Sanjukta Parashar," a testament to her intellectual prowess before she donned the IPS uniform.
Her decision to shift from academia to the civil services was driven by a desire to make an immediate impact on society. In 2004, while working with the Observer Research Foundation, she began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, one of India’s toughest competitive exams.
UPSC Journey and Entry into IPS
Sanjukta Parashar’s UPSC journey is a story of perseverance and choice. In 2006, she secured an impressive 85th rank in the All-India Civil Services Examination, a feat that opened doors to prestigious services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). However, Sanjukta made a bold and unconventional choice—she opted for the Indian Police Service (IPS) over the IAS, breaking societal norms that often steered women toward administrative roles.
When asked about her motivation, Sanjukta once said, “The IPS is a service that can provide instant help and aid to victims in times of distress. As such, there is no parallel. And I am proud to have chosen this field.” Her decision reflected her commitment to serving on the frontlines, where she could directly confront challenges like militancy and crime—a choice that would soon define her legacy.
Career Beginnings: Assistant Commandant of Makum
Sanjukta Parashar joined the IPS as part of the 2006 batch in the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. Her first posting in 2008 was as the Assistant Commandant of Makum, a small town in Assam. Within hours of taking charge, she was thrust into action, deployed to Udalguri to manage ethnic clashes between Bodo militants and illegal Bangladeshi migrants. This early assignment set the tone for her career—high-stakes, hands-on, and fearless.
Armed with an AK-47 and leading a team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans, Sanjukta quickly gained a reputation for her no-nonsense approach. Her physical presence on the ground, coupled with her strategic acumen, made her a formidable figure in Assam’s volatile districts.
Rise to Prominence: The Iron Lady of Assam
Sanjukta Parashar’s meteoric rise came during her tenure as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Sonitpur district, Assam. Between 2013 and 2015, she spearheaded operations against Bodo militants, a separatist group responsible for violence and insurgency in the region. In just 15 months, she led her team to eliminate 16 militants, arrest over 64, and seize significant caches of arms and ammunition. Her efforts disrupted militant networks and restored a semblance of peace in terror-infested areas.
Her fearless leadership earned her the moniker "Iron Lady of Assam." Often seen leading operations in dense forests with an AK-47 slung over her shoulder, Sanjukta became a symbol of resilience and authority. In 2014 alone, she oversaw the arrest of 175 terrorists, followed by 172 in 2013, cementing her status as one of India’s toughest cops.
Despite receiving numerous death threats from militant groups, Sanjukta remained undeterred. Her philosophy was simple: “I am humble and loving, but only criminals need to fear me.” Beyond her combat role, she also spent time in relief camps, assisting civilians affected by violence, showcasing her compassionate side.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Beyond
In 2017, Sanjukta Parashar was appointed as Superintendent of Police at the National Investigation Agency (NIA), a central agency tasked with counter-terrorism and national security investigations. This role marked a shift from fieldwork to high-level investigations, where she honed her skills in cracking complex cases. Her tenure at the NIA has been marked by significant contributions to India’s fight against terrorism.
In December 2023, Sanjukta was promoted to the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP), a recognition of her exemplary service. As of March 7, 2025, she continues to serve as Deputy Inspector General at the NIA in New Delhi, on central deputation, balancing her demanding career with her commitment to national security.
Personal Life: Balancing Duty and Family
Sanjukta Parashar’s personal life reflects the same strength she exhibits in her professional sphere. In 2008, she married Puru Gupta, an IAS officer of the 2006 batch, also posted in Assam. The couple’s demanding schedules—Puru serves as Deputy Commissioner in various Assam districts—mean they often go months without meeting. They have a son, whom Sanjukta’s mother, Meena Devi, helps care for during her absences.
Despite the challenges of distance and danger, Sanjukta and Puru maintain a supportive partnership, united by their shared commitment to public service. Her ability to juggle motherhood, marriage, and a high-risk career is a testament to her resilience and discipline.
Legacy and Inspiration
Sanjukta Parashar’s journey from a scholar in Delhi to a feared IPS officer in Assam’s jungles is nothing short of inspirational. She is often compared to Kiran Bedi, India’s first woman IPS officer, for her trailblazing spirit. Her story has motivated countless women, especially from the Northeast, to pursue careers in civil services and law enforcement.
Her philosophy on gender—“Gender is in the mind. There is never any constraint anywhere”—challenges stereotypes and encourages a mindset of equality and toughness. Sanjukta’s social media presence, including her Facebook page with thousands of followers, further amplifies her influence, though she remains selective about media interactions.
Top FAQs About Sanjukta Parashar IPS
1. Who is Sanjukta Parashar?
Sanjukta Parashar is an IPS officer of the 2006 batch, known as the "Iron Lady of Assam" for her fearless fight against militancy. She secured the 85th rank in the UPSC exam and is currently an Inspector General of Police at the NIA.
2. What is Sanjukta Parashar’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Delhi University, a Master’s in International Relations from JNU, and an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in US foreign policy.
3. Why is she called the "Iron Lady of Assam"?
Sanjukta earned this title for eliminating 16 militants, arresting over 64, and seizing arms in just 15 months while serving as SP in Sonitpur, Assam.
4. What is her current posting?
As of March 7, 2025, Sanjukta Parashar is Deputy Inspector General at the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi, promoted to IGP rank in 2023.
5. Is Sanjukta Parashar married?
Yes, she is married to Puru Gupta, an IAS officer, since 2008. They have a son, cared for by her mother during her duties.
6. What was her UPSC rank?
Sanjukta secured the 85th rank in the All-India Civil Services Examination in 2006.
7. How many militants has she tackled?
In 15 months, she neutralized 16 militants and arrested over 64. In 2013 and 2014, her efforts led to the arrest of 172 and 175 terrorists, respectively.
8. What inspired her to join the IPS?
Sanjukta chose the IPS to provide immediate help to victims in distress, preferring its action-oriented role over the IAS.
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