Lucknow: IPS officer Anukriti Sharma, a 2020-batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is set to receive the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in recognition of her role in uncovering an alleged insurance fraud syndicate operating across 12 states and involving more than ₹100 crore.
The investigation was conducted when Sharma was serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. It exposed an alleged criminal network accused of manipulating insurance claims by falsely declaring living individuals dead. Investigators also uncovered allegations that some victims were murdered and their deaths staged as accidents to obtain fraudulent insurance payouts.
The investigation reportedly led to the arrest and imprisonment of more than 50 accused persons. The case drew attention because of its interstate reach, the complexity of the alleged conspiracy and the serious nature of the crimes involved.
Sharma’s reported selection for the medal recognises her contribution to the investigation and highlights the importance of professional dedication, detailed investigation and coordinated policing in tackling organised crime.
IPS Anukriti Sharma Led Investigation into ₹100-Crore Insurance Scam
At the time of the investigation, Anukriti Sharma was serving as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.
During the investigation, police uncovered an alleged insurance fraud syndicate that manipulated insurance policies and claims by falsely presenting living individuals as deceased.
According to the allegations, the network went beyond fraudulent documentation, with some victims allegedly murdered and their deaths staged as accidents to secure insurance payouts.
The investigation revealed that the alleged syndicate had connections across 12 states and involved fraudulent claims worth more than ₹100 crore. More than 50 accused persons were reportedly arrested and imprisoned in connection with the case.
Who Is IPS Officer Anukriti Sharma?
Anukriti Sharma is a 2020-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. She was born on October 14, 1987, in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Her father worked as a director in the 20-Point Programme Department, while her mother was a teacher. Both her parents served in government jobs.
She completed her Class 12 education at Indo Bharat International School in Jaipur. She subsequently pursued a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (BS-MS) degree from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata.
After completing her higher education, Sharma qualified for the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET).
Left Research Opportunity in the US to Return to India
Sharma’s academic journey also included an opportunity to pursue research in the United States. During her PhD studies there, she and her husband, Vaibhav Mishra, secured employment opportunities involving research on volcanoes in collaboration with NASA.
Despite the professional opportunities and financial prospects, the couple decided to return to India, driven by their desire to serve the country.
In 2014, Sharma secured the 23rd rank in the National Eligibility Test (NET) Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) examination, while her husband secured the first rank. The couple subsequently began preparing for the Civil Services Examination while staying in Varanasi.
Husband and Wife Prepared Together for UPSC
Sharma and her husband supported each other throughout their Civil Services preparation, taking turns as teachers and mentors.
The couple appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination for the first time in 2015. Sharma cleared the preliminary examination but could not qualify for the mains. In her second attempt, she did not clear the prelims.
She reached the interview stage in her third attempt but could not secure a final selection.
In 2018, during her fourth attempt, Sharma secured the 355th rank and was selected for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). However, her goal was to serve at the grassroots level, so she chose not to join the service and continued preparing for the IPS.
Anukriti Sharma Became IPS Officer in Fifth Attempt
Sharma cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination in her fifth attempt in 2020 and joined the Indian Police Service.
Following her selection, she underwent training and served as a trainee IPS officer in Lucknow before taking up policing responsibilities in Uttar Pradesh.
Her investigation into the alleged ₹100-crore insurance fraud syndicate during her tenure as SP Sambhal has now brought her recognition at the national level through the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence.
The recognition highlights the role of investigative policing in exposing complex criminal networks and strengthening public confidence in law enforcement.
Union Home Minister’s Medal Recognises Investigative Excellence
Anukriti Sharma’s reported selection for the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence recognises her role in investigating the alleged interstate insurance fraud network.
The case stands out for its geographical reach, the complexity of the alleged conspiracy and the serious crimes uncovered during the investigation. Her recognition highlights the importance of meticulous investigation, inter-state coordination and professional dedication in tackling organised criminal networks.
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