Meet IPS Anurag Arya: The Dynamic SSP Reshaping Bareilly’s Policing, Cracking Down on Crime Syndicates and Championing Women’s Safety
IPS officer Anurag Arya, currently serving as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Bareilly, has emerged as one of Uttar Pradesh’s most impactful law-enforcement leaders. Known for his uncompromising stance against organised crime and his progressive approach to community-focused policing, Arya represents a new generation of tech-savvy and citizen-oriented police officers.
A 2013-batch IPS officer of the UP cadre, Arya comes from Chhaprauli village in Baghpat district. His upbringing in an academically accomplished family—both parents are doctors—played a significant role in shaping his disciplined and service-driven personality. His wife, Vanika Arya, serves as a PCS officer, creating a household where public service and administrative commitment form an integral part of daily life.
Major Crackdown on Organised Crime: The Mau Turning Point
Anurag Arya first gained statewide recognition during his tenure in Mau district, where he led one of the toughest actions against the Mukhtar Ansari gang—a criminal syndicate that had wielded influence in the region for decades.
Under his leadership:
The Gangsters Act was invoked against 26 major associates of the Ansari network.
A demolition operation was carried out against the residence of a key gang aide.
Public confidence, previously shaken by years of mafia dominance, began to strengthen.
His bold measures set a new benchmark for anti-mafia policing in eastern Uttar Pradesh. As a result, Arya was awarded top-level police honours including DGP Commendation Discs in Silver, Gold, and Platinum, as well as the Chief Minister’s Police Medal.
Reinventing Cyber Policing in Bareilly
Bareilly has seen a major upgrade in cybercrime prevention under Arya’s command. In a recent high-profile operation, his team arrested four individuals who defrauded an IVRI scientist of ₹1.29 crore—an incident that highlighted the rising complexity of digital fraud.
To counter such crimes, Arya has:
Established cyber desks in every police station.
Deployed at least five specialised officers at every cyber station.
Created systems for rapid response, swift account-blocking, and faster fund recovery.
Boosted public awareness about the national cyber-helpline 1930, ensuring citizens know how to report fraud in real time.
Arya believes the future of policing relies on strong cyber preparedness. His administration conducts regular skill-upgradation drives to train personnel in digital investigation and cyber forensics, setting a template that other districts are beginning to observe closely.
Women’s Safety: Strengthening Mission Shakti in Bareilly
Women’s safety remains a central pillar of Arya’s policing model. His implementation of Mission Shakti focuses on creating an environment where women feel protected, empowered, and supported by the police machinery.
Key initiatives include:
Formation of a Women’s Special Task Force under SP (South).
Deployment of women officers in frontline roles, including in field operations.
Successful actions against drug-related crimes and offences targeting women.
This model not only enhances safety but also encourages more women to participate in law enforcement activities, reflecting Arya’s belief in inclusive and gender-sensitive policing.
Balancing Strength with Sensitivity
Though known for his strict action against criminals, Arya combines firmness with empathy. His administration prioritises:
Fast grievance redressal
Frequent public outreach
Transparent communication
Discipline-driven but humane policing
This balanced approach has significantly improved Bareilly’s crime response record and strengthened trust between citizens and police.
The Making of a Modern Police Leader
Born on 10 December 1987, Arya completed his schooling in his native village before earning a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Prior to joining the IPS, he briefly worked as a manager at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Kanpur.
Remarkably, he cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination on his first attempt. Over the years, he has held important leadership positions in Amethi, Mau, Balrampur, Pratapgarh, and Azamgarh.
In 2024, his alma mater BHU honoured him for receiving the Chief Minister’s Excellent Service Medal, awarded especially for solving a complex serial murder case targeting women.
Despite the pressures of high-level policing, Arya is known for his humility, discipline, and resilience—qualities that inspire thousands of civil services aspirants across India. His journey from a small village in western Uttar Pradesh to becoming one of the state’s most admired police officers reflects determination, clarity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to public service.
