In a landmark appointment, celebrated IPS officer and mountaineer Aparna Kumar has been named as Lucknow's first-ever woman Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime). The 2002-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre officer took up the prestigious post on Wednesday, marking a significant step in her distinguished career.
From Mountain Peaks to Policing Priorities
The 52-year-old officer, previously serving as Inspector General for Human Rights, will officially assume her new responsibilities on Friday. Aparna Kumar brings a unique blend of discipline and global perspective to the role, having recently completed a master's degree in law from the University of California, Berkeley.
"I am excited to take charge and incorporate what I learned to strengthen policing outcomes on the ground," stated Kumar. She outlined a clear vision for her tenure, emphasizing fair, transparent, and professional investigations as her top priority.
She plans to revolutionize crime investigation in the state capital by leveraging technology, scientific evidence, and data-driven methodologies. "Our aim is to improve conviction rates while ensuring due process and public trust," she added, signaling a shift towards more accountable law enforcement.
A Trailblazer with Many Firsts
Aparna Kumar's career is a chronicle of breaking barriers and setting records:
- She is the first IPS officer and first civil servant to conquer the Seven Summits—the highest peaks on all seven continents.
- In 2016, she scaled Mount Everest and later that year, reached the South Pole while battling pneumonia.
- She mentored the first ITBP expedition to hoist the Indian flag atop Mount Balbala in 2021.
- She served as the first woman director of the ITBP Academy in its six-decade history.
Her accolades include the Rani Lakshmi Bai Puraskar (2015) and the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2018). Beyond her postings in districts like Firozabad, Hamirpur, Sitapur, and Chitrakoot, she has also served in intelligence, PAC, Telecom wings, and as sports secretary of the UP Police Board.
Modernizing Lucknow's Crime Fighting
Senior police officials believe Kumar's extensive international exposure will be a major asset. Her interactions with global agencies and understanding of human rights mechanisms are expected to help modernize Lucknow's crime investigation practices.
Her appointment is seen as a strategic move by the government to promote technology-led, evidence-driven policing in Uttar Pradesh's capital. This shift is considered crucial as the city grapples with a rise in cybercrime, organized crime, and complex financial offences.
As she transitions from scaling the world's highest peaks to tackling the challenges of urban crime, Aparna Kumar continues to mentor young officers and women aspirants, inspiring a new generation in the force with her unparalleled journey of resilience and achievement.
