NEW DELHI: Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Nupur Prasad, who supervised the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has been awarded the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) this year.
The recognition marks another milestone in the career of the 2007-batch AGMUT-cadre IPS officer, who has handled several challenging assignments across the Delhi Police and the CBI.
After completing her tenure on central deputation with the CBI, Prasad returned to the Delhi Police. She is currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police, Economic Offences Wing (EOW), where she is associated with investigations into financial and economic offences.
The MSM is awarded to police personnel in recognition of meritorious service, including contributions to investigation, crime prevention, public service, law and order and police administration.
Who Is IPS Officer Nupur Prasad?
Nupur Prasad is a 2007-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, with nearly two decades of experience in policing and investigation.
Over the course of her career, she has served in different capacities in the Delhi Police, CBI, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal. Her assignments have included district policing, specialised investigation and senior administrative responsibilities.
She came into the national spotlight during the CBI investigation into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Nupur Prasad and the Sushant Singh Rajput Investigation
Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020. The case was subsequently transferred to the CBI in August 2020 following a complaint by the actor’s family and a legal dispute concerning the investigation.
During her tenure with the agency, Nupur Prasad supervised important aspects of the investigation.
The probe involved examination of witness statements, forensic evidence, medical records and other material related to the actor’s death.
In 2025, the CBI filed closure reports stating that its investigation had found no evidence of foul play, abetment to suicide or criminal conspiracy in the case.
Her association with one of the country’s most closely followed criminal investigations brought considerable public attention to her professional role.
From Delhi Police to CBI
Before her CBI assignment, Nupur Prasad served in several important positions in the Delhi Police.
She became the first Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahdara district after the district was created. In the role, she was involved in establishing the policing framework of the new district.
Her tenure included action against drug networks, illegal gambling and other criminal activities, besides a focus on crime prevention.
She later served as DCP, North Delhi, where she was responsible for policing and security arrangements in a major district of the national capital.
The assignment also involved overseeing security arrangements for major public events, including Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and Delhi University elections.
Role in High-Profile CBI Cases
During her central deputation, Prasad was associated with several prominent investigations handled by the CBI.
Media reports have also linked her professional work during the agency stint with investigations involving businessman Vijay Mallya and the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.
Her CBI experience added to her profile as an officer with expertise in handling complex and high-profile investigations.
Return to Delhi Police as Joint CP, EOW
After completing her CBI assignment, Nupur Prasad returned to the Delhi Police and was posted as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing.
The EOW deals with complex financial crimes, frauds and economic offences, often involving large sums of money and multiple entities.
Her current assignment therefore continues her association with specialised investigation and complex cases.
Focus on Community Policing
Apart from conventional law-enforcement responsibilities, Prasad has also been associated with several community-oriented policing initiatives.
Her work has included programmes relating to women’s self-defence, youth engagement, cyber safety and drug de-addiction.
She has also been credited with initiatives aimed at improving safety in areas affected by street crime and snatching incidents.
Early Life and Education
Nupur Prasad was born in 1983 in Salempur village in the Tikari area of Gaya, Bihar.
She completed her graduation from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University and also holds a Master of Arts degree.
She cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination as a direct recruit and joined the Indian Police Service on August 18, 2007.
Career and Major Postings
Her career has included assignments in both regular policing and specialised investigation.
Some of her significant responsibilities include:
- Joint Commissioner of Police, Economic Offences Wing, Delhi Police — her current assignment.
- Superintendent of Police, CBI — associated with the investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death and other high-profile cases.
- DCP, Shahdara, Delhi — served as the first DCP of the newly created district.
- DCP, North Delhi — handled policing, crime prevention and security arrangements for major public events.
- Assignments in Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal — adding field and administrative experience to her career.
Nupur Prasad’s Awards and Recognition
The Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) is the latest recognition in Prasad’s police career.
She has also received the Police Special Duty Medal twice, in 2013 and 2014, according to available details.
Her latest award recognises her contribution to policing, investigation, public service and administration across different assignments.
A Career Spanning Investigation and Public Service
Nupur Prasad’s career has covered a wide range of responsibilities—from establishing a new police district and handling law-and-order challenges in Delhi to working on sensitive CBI investigations.
Her role in the Sushant Singh Rajput investigation brought her national attention, while her current posting in the Economic Offences Wing places her once again in the field of complex investigations.
The Medal for Meritorious Service adds another significant distinction to the career of the 2007-batch IPS officer.
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