Mr. Anurag Arya, IPS, currently serves as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bareilly and is widely regarded as one of Uttar Pradesh’s most efficient, reform-driven police administrators. A 2013-batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, he combines strict law-enforcement with developmental and citizen-centric policing. Hailing from Chhaprauli village in Baghpat district, he comes from an academically strong family where both parents are doctors. His wife, Ms. Vanika Arya, serves as a PCS officer, reflecting a household deeply rooted in public service.
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Decisive Crackdown on Mafia Networks in Mau
Mr. Arya became a widely recognised name due to his fearless administrative action in Mau district, where he dismantled the influence of the Mukhtar Ansari gang. He invoked the Gangsters Act against 26 key gang members and led a demolition drive against the home of a close associate of Ansari. These actions revived public confidence and signalled a significant shift toward a zero-tolerance approach to organised crime. His courageous policing earned him prestigious honours, including DGP Commendation Discs in Silver, Gold and Platinum categories, along with the Chief Minister’s Police Medal.
Cybersecurity Infrastructure Strengthened in Bareilly
Under Mr. Arya’s leadership, Bareilly has witnessed a structured and proactive crackdown on cyber fraud. His team recently arrested four members of a cybercrime network that defrauded an IVRI scientist of Rs. 1.29 crore. He has directed the setup of cyber desks across all police stations, with at least five officers posted at each cyber station for rapid response, account-blocking and recovery of fraudulent funds. Public awareness initiatives, including promotion of the national cyber-helpline 1930, have been intensified to protect citizens from digital threats.
A Holistic Approach to Cyber Policing
Mr. Arya emphasises that modern policing must evolve with technological challenges. Cyber cells are being strengthened across Bareilly, and routine awareness programs are organised to train smart police personnel. These initiatives are improving coordination, response timing and public trust. His model of integrating technology with ground policing is increasingly being seen as a replicable blueprint for other districts.
Women’s Safety and the Strengthening of Mission Shakti
Committed to ensuring gender-sensitive law-enforcement, Mr. Arya has actively implemented various components of Mission Shakti. A dedicated women’s Special Task Force (SOG) was constituted under SP South to empower women and strengthen safety mechanisms. This Special Force has contributed to arrests and encounters related to drug abuse and other women-linked crimes. Women police officers play leading roles in these operations, highlighting Mr. Arya’s belief in inclusive policing and opportunity-driven empowerment.
Maintaining Law and Order with Sensitivity and Discipline
Known for his zero-tolerance policy against rioters and hardened criminals, Mr. Arya balances strictness with empathy. While encounters and major anti-crime operations have bolstered Bareilly’s safety record, he also prioritises citizen grievances and public outreach. His administrative philosophy blends discipline, compassion and modernisation.
Who Is IPS Anurag Arya? The Journey of a Modern-Day Policeman
Born on 10 December 1987, Mr. Arya completed his early studies in his village before graduating with a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Before joining the IPS, he briefly worked as a manager at the Reserve Bank of India in Kanpur. A determined first-attempt qualifier of the UPSC Civil Services Exam, he has held key postings across Amethi, Mau, Balrampur, Pratapgarh and Azamgarh. His decisive actions against powerful criminal networks brought him into the state’s administrative spotlight.
His alma mater BHU honoured him in 2024 for receiving the Chief Minister’s Excellent Service Police Medal, especially for solving a serial-killing case targeting women. Despite his firm policing style, he is known for humility and resilience, having overcome academic setbacks early in life. His story of rising from a village in western Uttar Pradesh to becoming one of the state’s most impactful police leaders continues to inspire young aspirants across India.
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