Meet Former Telangana DGP Anjani Kumar: Retired IPS Officer Wins Gold at Telangana State Shooting Championship
Retirement may have marked the end of his distinguished policing career, but it certainly has not slowed down former Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Anjani Kumar. The retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer has once again made headlines, this time for his exceptional performance on the shooting range, 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.
Known for leading some of the country’s most critical policing assignments over a career spanning more than three and a half decades, Anjani Kumar has now added a sporting achievement to his long list of accomplishments. His victory at the prestigious state-level championship reflects the same discipline, concentration and precision that defined his years in uniform.
The championship featured intense competition across multiple rifle and pistol categories, attracting experienced shooters from different parts of Telangana. Competing against seasoned marksmen, the former police chief delivered an impressive performance in the 25-metre pistol event to secure the top position.
Well-known shooter Shafath Ali Khan claimed the silver medal, while Aga Mohammed Hussain finished with the bronze, making the event one of the closely contested competitions of the championship.
Gold Medal in a Highly Competitive Event
The XII Telangana State Shooting Championship brought together accomplished sport shooters, professionals and enthusiasts for various rifle and pistol events conducted at the Gachibowli Shooting Range.
Among the standout performances was that of Anjani Kumar, who displayed remarkable consistency and accuracy throughout the 25-metre pistol competition. His calm approach and precise shooting helped him finish ahead of a competitive field and earn the coveted gold medal.
The medal winners in the event were:
Gold – Anjani Kumar
Silver – Shafath Ali Khan
Bronze – Aga Mohammed Hussain
For many in the policing fraternity, the victory came as little surprise. Firearms proficiency and disciplined training remain integral parts of police service, and Anjani Kumar’s latest success demonstrates that those skills continue to stay sharp even after retirement.
A Distinguished IPS Officer
Anjani Kumar belongs to the 1990 batch of the Indian Police Service. Originally allotted to the undivided Andhra Pradesh cadre, he later became part of the Telangana cadre following the state’s formation.
He retired after an illustrious career spanning nearly 36 years, during which he served in several challenging operational assignments before eventually rising to become the Director General of Police, the highest-ranking police officer in Telangana.
Throughout his service, he earned a reputation for handling complex law-and-order situations, counter-insurgency operations, intelligence gathering and urban policing with professionalism and strategic vision.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born on January 28, 1966, Anjani Kumar hails from Bihar.
He completed his higher education at the University of Delhi, earning a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree before successfully clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination and joining the Indian Police Service.
His excellence was evident even during his training days at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA).
During the rigorous IPS training programme, he won two prestigious academy awards:
Maharaja of Tonk Cup for Best Horse Rider.
R.D. Singh Cup for Best Swimmer.
These honours highlighted his all-round abilities and physical excellence long before he assumed senior leadership positions in the police service.
Building Experience in Challenging Assignments
Anjani Kumar began his policing career as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Jangaon, then part of the undivided Warangal district.
His early years in service included postings in several districts that were significantly affected by Left Wing Extremism and insurgency.
Among the districts where he served were:
Mahbubnagar
Guntur
Prakasam
These assignments provided him valuable field experience in handling law and order, anti-insurgency operations and public security challenges under demanding conditions.
Serving India on an International Platform
One of the defining chapters of his career came between 1998 and 1999, when he represented India as part of the United Nations International Police Task Force (IPTF) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The international peacekeeping mission exposed him to global policing standards and post-conflict law enforcement operations.
In recognition of his contribution, he received the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal, adding an international honour to his professional record.
Leadership of Elite Police Units
As his career progressed, Anjani Kumar went on to head some of India’s most specialised policing units.
He served as Chief of the Greyhounds, Telangana’s elite anti-Naxal force, a unit widely recognised for its effectiveness in counter-insurgency operations.
He also led the Counter Intelligence Cell, where he supervised efforts related to internal security, intelligence gathering and anti-terror operations.
These assignments strengthened his reputation as an officer capable of managing complex operational environments requiring strategic planning, leadership and rapid decision-making.
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 post until December 2021, making him one of the longest-serving Police Commissioners of Hyderabad in the post-Nizam era.
During his tenure, Hyderabad witnessed rapid urban expansion, increasing traffic demands and major public events, all of which required careful policing and administrative coordination.
He also oversaw several initiatives aimed at improving public safety, modernising policing systems and strengthening law-and-order management in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities.
Appointment as Telangana DGP
On December 31, 2022, Anjani Kumar was appointed Director General of Police, succeeding M. Mahender Reddy as the head of the Telangana Police.
As the state’s police chief, he supervised policing across Telangana and was responsible for crime control, intelligence, internal security, law-and-order management and police administration.
His tenure as DGP coincided with several important developments in policing, technology adoption and public safety initiatives.
Final Assignment Before Retirement
During the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections, Anjani Kumar was temporarily suspended by the Election Commission of India over an alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
He was subsequently reinstated and later assigned a new responsibility.
In January 2026, he assumed charge as Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, a position he held until retiring from the Indian Police Service after completing nearly 36 years of distinguished service.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Over the course of his career, Anjani Kumar received several prestigious honours in recognition of his service and contributions to policing.
His major awards include:
United Nations Peacekeeping Medal, awarded twice for international peacekeeping service.
Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2007.
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2016.
Police Antrik Suraksha Seva Padak for his contributions to internal security and counter-insurgency operations.
These honours reflect his sustained commitment to public service and excellence in policing across multiple assignments.
Contributions Beyond Police Service
Apart from his operational responsibilities, Anjani Kumar has also contributed to preserving the legacy of policing through writing.
He co-authored the coffee table book Journey of the Hyderabad City Police, which documents the rich history, evolution and achievements of the Hyderabad Police over the decades.
The publication offers readers a detailed glimpse into one of India’s oldest and most respected police organisations.
Personal Life
Anjani Kumar is married to Vasundhara Sinha, a senior officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
The couple has two sons.
A Champion Beyond the Uniform
Winning the gold medal at the XII Telangana State Shooting Championship is more than just another accolade for Anjani Kumar. It is a reminder that the qualities which shaped his long policing career – discipline, patience, precision and relentless focus – continue to define him even after hanging up his uniform.
From leading elite anti-insurgency forces and heading the Telangana Police to standing atop the podium at a state shooting championship, the former DGP has once again demonstrated that excellence is built through consistency, dedication and an enduring commitment to mastering every challenge.
