Hyderabad: Former Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Anjani Kumar, a retired 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has added another achievement to his distinguished career by winning the gold medal in the 25-metre pistol event at the XII Telangana State Shooting Championship held at the Gachibowli Shooting Range in Hyderabad.
The championship, which featured rifle and pistol events, witnessed intense competition among experienced shooters. While Anjani Kumar secured the gold medal, noted marksman Shafath Ali Khan won the silver medal and Aga Mohammed Hussain claimed the bronze.
The victory highlights the former police chief’s continued passion for precision shooting even after retiring from active police service.
Gold Medal at Telangana State Shooting Championship
The XII Telangana State Shooting Championship brought together several accomplished shooters from across the state in various rifle and pistol categories.
Competing in the 25-metre pistol event, Anjani Kumar delivered an impressive performance to finish at the top of the podium.
Medal Winners:
- Gold: Anjani Kumar
- Silver: Shafath Ali Khan
- Bronze: Aga Mohammed Hussain
His success reflects the discipline, focus and marksmanship developed during a career spanning more than three decades in the Indian Police Service.
Who is Anjani Kumar?
Anjani Kumar is a retired 1990-batch IPS officer of the Telangana cadre (originally undivided Andhra Pradesh cadre). He retired after a distinguished 36-year career in policing, during which he held several high-profile operational and leadership positions before serving as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana.
Known for his expertise in counter-insurgency operations, intelligence, urban policing and internal security, he is regarded as one of the state’s most experienced police officers.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 28, 1966, Anjani Kumar hails from Bihar.
He completed his higher education at the University of Delhi, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree before clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joining the Indian Police Service.
During his training at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), he distinguished himself by winning:
- Maharaja of Tonk Cup for Best Horse Rider.
- R.D. Singh Cup for Best Swimmer.
These achievements reflected his all-round excellence during police training.
Distinguished Career in the IPS
Throughout his career, Anjani Kumar held several important assignments across Telangana and the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh.
Early Field Assignments
He began his policing career as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Jangaon in the then Warangal district.
He later served in several Naxal-affected districts, including:
- Mahbubnagar
- Guntur
- Prakasam
These postings provided him extensive experience in handling law and order and counter-insurgency operations.
International Peacekeeping Mission
Between 1998 and 1999, he served with the United Nations International Police Task Force (IPTF) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing India in international peacekeeping operations.
For his service, he was awarded the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal.
Leadership in Elite Police Units
Anjani Kumar later headed some of the country’s most specialised police formations.
He served as:
- Chief of the Greyhounds, Telangana’s elite anti-Naxal force.
- Chief of the Counter Intelligence Cell, responsible for tackling terrorism and internal security threats.
These assignments strengthened his reputation as a capable operational commander.
One of Hyderabad’s Longest-Serving Police Commissioners
In March 2018, Anjani Kumar assumed charge as the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad.
He remained in the position until December 2021, making him one of the longest-serving Hyderabad Police Commissioners in the post-Nizam era.
During his tenure, he oversaw law and order, traffic management, major public events and policing reforms in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities.
Appointed Telangana DGP
On December 31, 2022, Anjani Kumar was appointed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana, succeeding M. Mahender Reddy as the state’s top police officer.
As DGP, he headed the Telangana Police and supervised policing, crime control, intelligence, internal security and administrative reforms across the state.
Final Posting Before Retirement
Following a temporary suspension by the Election Commission of India during the 2023 Assembly elections over an alleged Model Code of Conduct violation, Anjani Kumar was later reinstated.
In January 2026, he assumed charge as Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, where he served until his retirement from the Indian Police Service.
Awards and Honours
Over his distinguished career, Anjani Kumar received several prestigious honours, including:
- United Nations Peacekeeping Medal (awarded twice)
- Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2007)
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2016)
- Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak for contributions to internal security and counter-insurgency operations
Beyond Policing
Outside his official responsibilities, Anjani Kumar has contributed to documenting the history of policing.
He co-authored the coffee table book “Journey of the Hyderabad City Police”, which chronicles the evolution and legacy of the Hyderabad Police.
Personal Life
Anjani Kumar is married to Vasundhara Sinha, a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer.
The couple has two sons.
With his latest gold medal at the Telangana State Shooting Championship, the former police chief has demonstrated that the discipline and precision developed during a distinguished policing career continue to define him even after retirement.
