Senior IPS officer Sanjukta Parashar has become the first woman to head the CRPF’s elite CoBRA unit as Inspector General (IG). A 2006-batch officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, she succeeds IPS officer Danesh Rana. CoBRA stands for Commando Battalion for Resolute Action. Established in 2008–09, the specialised unit focuses on jungle warfare, guerrilla operations and counter-insurgency missions, particularly against Left-Wing Extremism. Its personnel are trained to operate in challenging forest terrain and conduct intelligence-based operations. Parashar brings extensive experience in field policing and counter-insurgency operations in Assam and has also served in the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Her appointment marks a milestone for women in India’s security forces and their representation in senior operational leadership roles.