New Delhi: The Central Government has approved the inter-cadre transfer of IPS officer Anjali Vishwakarma (IPS:2021:UP) from the Uttar Pradesh cadre to the Chhattisgarh cadre following her marriage to fellow IPS officer Udit Pushkar (IPS:2021:Chhattisgarh). The transfer has been cleared in accordance with the Government of India’s policy permitting inter-cadre transfers on grounds of marriage between two All India Service officers.
Known for her fearless policing style and people-centric approach, Anjali Vishwakarma earned widespread recognition during her tenure in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Kanpur and Jhansi, where she handled several high-profile criminal investigations, anti-trafficking operations and women safety campaigns.
An IIT Graduate Who Left a Lucrative Global Career
Born on January 11, 1993, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Ms Vishwakarma displayed academic brilliance from an early age. She topped the Uttarakhand Class XII board examinations in 2011 with 97.7% marks while studying at the Convent of Jesus and Mary School.
She later cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and secured admission to IIT Kanpur, graduating in 2015with a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering (also reported as Navigation Engineering in some accounts).
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Instead of immediately pursuing civil services, she joined Schlumberger, one of the world’s leading oilfield services companies. Her role as a navigator took her across several countries including:
- Mexico
- Norway
- United Kingdom
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- New Zealand (and later assignments in Abu Dhabi)
She reportedly earned an annual package of around ₹48 lakh, enjoying a successful international corporate career.
Why She Quit a High-Paying Job
Despite professional success abroad, Anjali felt a strong desire to contribute directly to society. During her stay in New Zealand, she decided to return to India and prepare for the Civil Services Examination.
She resigned from her corporate job in 2018 and dedicated herself to UPSC preparation.
Although unsuccessful in her first attempt, she persisted and secured All India Rank (AIR) 158 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020, joining the Indian Police Service in the 2021 batch with the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
Marriage to IPS Officer Udit Pushkar
Anjali Vishwakarma’s cadre transfer follows her marriage to IPS officer Udit Pushkar, a 2021-batch Chhattisgarh cadre officer.
The two have known each other since their school days and later studied together at IIT Kanpur. Their friendship continued through their UPSC journey before culminating in marriage in 2024 with the consent of both families.
Following government policy regarding inter-cadre marriages among All India Service officers, Anjali has now been allotted the Chhattisgarh cadre.
A Reputation Built on Tough Policing
During her tenure in Uttar Pradesh, Anjali Vishwakarma earned a reputation as a proactive and fearless officer.
Initially posted in Jhansi, she drew attention after successfully rescuing a 15-year-old missing girl from Pimpri, Maharashtra, by tracing clues from an Instagram Reel that showed only a partial house number.
She later served in the Kanpur Police Commissionerate, where she rose to become Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP).
Major Cases She Handled
Throughout her policing career, she has led or supervised several significant investigations, including:
- Cracking multi-crore financial and medical equipment frauds.
- Busting child trafficking networks operating across states.
- Solving the Imran murder case by tracing a Nitrazepam medicine wrapper recovered from the crime scene.
- Leading campaigns against crimes targeting women.
- Conducting Anti-Romeo operations by personally monitoring school zones in plain clothes.
- Arresting members of gangs involved in trafficking children for ₹30,000–₹50,000.
Her decisive policing style has earned her the popular nickname “Kanpur’s Lady Singham.”
A Viral Officer Known for Integrity
Apart from her investigative work, Anjali Vishwakarma became widely known on social media after refusing to relax stadium security norms for the armed security personnel of an influential politician.
The incident reinforced her reputation as an officer who prioritises rules over influence and has often been cited as an example of professional integrity.
Family Background
Anjali comes from a family with a strong educational background.
Her father Arun Kumar works as an engineer in the Ordnance Factory, while her mother Neelam Vishwakarma is a homemaker. Her maternal grandfather B.L. Vishwakarma is a retired PCS officer, and she also has a younger sister.
Interests Beyond Policing
Beyond law enforcement, Ms Vishwakarma is known for her diverse interests. She enjoys photography, painting, drumming and sports. She also mentors UPSC aspirants through her personal blog, “The Fiery Navigator,” where she shares preparation strategies and motivational insights for civil service candidates.
A New Chapter in Chhattisgarh
With her transfer now approved, IPS officer Anjali Vishwakarma will continue her policing career in the Chhattisgarh cadre, joining her husband, IPS officer Udit Pushkar. Given her track record in Uttar Pradesh, expectations are high that she will bring the same blend of professionalism, technological aptitude and people-focused policing to her new assignment.
