Sanjukta Parasor Appointed as First Woman IG of CoBRA

Senior IPS officer Sanjukta Parasor has made history by becoming the first woman Inspector General (IG) of CoBRA, marking a significant milestone for women's roles in India's security leadership. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies (GS) Papers 2 and 3, focusing on governance and security. Last Updated: 17-09-2026

Key Facts About Sanjukta Parasor's Appointment

• Sanjukta Parasor is a 2006-batch IPS officer known as the "Iron Lady of Assam" for her counter-insurgency efforts.
• She is the first woman to be appointed as IG of the CoBRA unit of the CRPF.
• CoBRA specializes in jungle warfare and guerrilla operations, targeting Maoist insurgency.
• Parasor previously served as Deputy Inspector General in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
• CoBRA was formed between 2008 and 2011 with ten units deployed in insurgency-prone regions.
• CoBRA's operations include anti-Naxal missions, intelligence-based operations, and counter-ambush strategies.

Women's Leadership in India's Security Forces

Sanjukta Parasor's appointment as the first female IG of CoBRA highlights the evolving role of women in India's security forces. This advancement aligns with India's strategic goals of enhancing gender diversity in leadership roles. Globally, India is making strides in integrating women into specialized military and security operations, setting benchmarks for other nations.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations - Women's role in security forces.
• GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas - Role of CoBRA in counter-insurgency.
• Prelims: Questions on CoBRA's formation, objectives, and key figures like Sanjukta Parasor.
• Mains: Analytical themes on gender diversity in security forces and its impact on operations.

FAQ Section

• What is CoBRA? CoBRA is a specialized unit of the CRPF focused on jungle warfare and guerrilla operations, primarily targeting Maoist insurgency.
• Why is Sanjukta Parasor's appointment important? Her appointment as the first woman IG of CoBRA marks a significant step forward for women's leadership in India's security forces.
• What are the key features of CoBRA? CoBRA is known for its rigorous training in commando tactics, intelligence-based operations, and its strategic deployment in insurgency-prone regions.