Sanjukta Parashar has become the first woman officer to head the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) specialised CoBRA unit. The 2006-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre took charge as Inspector General (IG) of the 10-battalion CoBRA formation in September 2026. She succeeded 1996-batch IPS officer Danesh Rana.

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The appointment is an important development in the leadership of one of the CRPF’s specialised operational units. CoBRA is known for its role in jungle warfare, counter-insurgency operations and operations against Left Wing Extremism. Sanjukta Parashar brings experience in field policing, counter-insurgency and national security investigations to the new responsibility.

Sanjukta Parashar Takes Charge of CoBRA

Sanjukta Parashar’s appointment places her at the head of a specialised force trained to operate in some of the most difficult terrains in the country. The CoBRA formation consists of 10 battalions and works under the CRPF.

As Inspector General, Parashar will oversee the formation and its operational responsibilities. The role involves leadership, coordination and supervision of personnel involved in specialised operations in forested and challenging areas.

Her appointment also comes at a time when security forces continue to focus on strengthening operations, intelligence gathering and coordination in areas affected by internal security challenges.

What is the CoBRA Unit?

CoBRA stands for Commando Battalion for Resolute Action. It is a specialised unit of the CRPF created for operations in jungle and difficult terrain.

CoBRA personnel receive specialised training for movement and operations in forests, where normal military or police operations can be more difficult. Their training includes jungle warfare, tracking, ambush operations, survival skills and counter-insurgency techniques.

The unit has played a major role in operations against Left Wing Extremism, particularly in forested regions where security forces have faced armed Maoist groups.

CoBRA and Internal Security Operations

CoBRA battalions have been deployed in areas affected by Left Wing Extremism, commonly referred to as Naxalism or Maoist insurgency. These operations require personnel to work for long periods in remote forests and difficult terrain.

The unit has been active in states such as Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, where security forces have conducted operations in areas affected by Maoist activity. CoBRA personnel have also been deployed in other parts of the country when specialised operational support has been required.

Two CoBRA battalions were also deployed in Manipur during periods of ethnic violence and tension. Their deployment reflected the wider role of specialised central forces in supporting security operations during difficult situations.

Sanjukta Parashar’s Police Career

Sanjukta Parashar has built her career through several important policing and investigation assignments. As an IPS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, she has worked in different areas of law enforcement and internal security.

She has served as the head of the CID wing of Assam Police, where investigations and intelligence-related responsibilities form an important part of the work. Her career has also included counter-insurgency operations and field policing.

Parashar has also worked with the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA is India’s federal agency responsible for investigating terrorism and certain other offences involving national security.

Her experience in both field operations and investigations is relevant to a senior leadership position in a specialised force such as CoBRA.

Why the Appointment Matters

Sanjukta Parashar becoming the first woman to head the CoBRA formation marks a change in the leadership profile of a unit traditionally associated with high-risk field operations.

CoBRA operates in difficult environments where personnel may have to spend extended periods in forests and remote areas. The leadership of such a force requires coordination between operational units, intelligence agencies, local police and other security organisations.

The appointment also reflects the wider presence of women officers in senior and operational positions within India’s central armed police forces. Women officers have increasingly taken on responsibilities in areas that were earlier dominated by male personnel.

Women in Operational Leadership

The CRPF has been expanding opportunities for women in different operational and leadership roles. Women personnel are now serving in various duties that include law and order support, counter-insurgency-related assignments, security duties and specialised operations.

The appointment of Sanjukta Parashar adds another example of a woman IPS officer taking charge of a specialised operational formation.

Women officers in central armed police forces are also increasingly being given responsibilities that involve command, administration, intelligence and field operations. These changes are part of the broader development of women’s participation in India’s security services.

CoBRA’s Role in Difficult Terrain

Operating in forested areas presents different challenges from conventional policing. Dense vegetation, limited roads, difficult communication and long distances can make security operations more complex.

CoBRA personnel are specifically trained to deal with such conditions. Their specialised training allows them to move through forests and respond to threats in areas where regular forces may face operational difficulties.

The unit’s responsibilities therefore require strong coordination between field commanders and personnel deployed on the ground. Leadership plays an important role in planning operations, managing resources and maintaining coordination with other security agencies.

Focus on Changing Security Challenges

India’s internal security environment has changed in recent years, with security agencies using a combination of field operations, intelligence, technology and development measures in areas affected by insurgency.

The government and security forces have continued to focus on reducing the influence of Left Wing Extremism in affected districts. Along with security operations, better roads, communications, public services and government access are also important parts of efforts to improve conditions in remote areas.

In this environment, specialised forces such as CoBRA continue to have a role in operations where difficult terrain and security threats require specially trained personnel.

Sanjukta Parashar’s New Responsibility

With Sanjukta Parashar taking charge, the 10-battalion CoBRA formation now has its first woman head. Her previous experience in Assam Police, counter-insurgency work and the National Investigation Agency provides a background connected to both field policing and national security investigations.

Her new assignment will involve overseeing a specialised force operating in challenging environments and supporting the CRPF’s wider internal security responsibilities.

The appointment is also being viewed in the context of the growing participation of women in senior positions across India’s police and central armed police organisations. As more women officers take operational responsibilities, their presence is becoming part of the changing leadership structure of the country’s security forces.