In the realm of Indian policing, few names stand as firmly as Aneesh Sarkar, IPS, whose journey reflects resilience, grit, and a commitment to safeguarding the nation from crime and terror. Currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar Zone, Sarkar has carved a reputation through fearless leadership and consistent success in high-risk operations.
From the Maoist Heartland: A Grit-Fueled Beginning
Aneesh Sarkar’s career in the Indian Police Service began in one of the most hostile terrains—Lalgarh, Paschim Medinipur, a region infamously known as a Maoist stronghold. Starting as a probationer, he quickly adapted to the volatility of the region, and soon after, was entrusted with active anti-Maoist operations. His deep involvement in counter-insurgency from 2008 to 2011 not only shaped his approach to law enforcement but also laid the foundation for his future as a trusted officer in high-stakes scenarios.
Cleaning Up Bidhannagar: Breaking Criminal Syndicates
After nearly three intense years in Lalgarh, Sarkar was posted as Assistant Commissioner of Police (Airport) in the newly-formed Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. One of his early notable successes in urban policing was the dismantling of the Babai gang, a criminal outfit responsible for multiple murders. His meticulous approach and operational command led to the complete neutralization of the gang’s network.
A Strategic Mind in Anti-Terrorism and Cyber Surveillance
In a significant leap, Aneesh Sarkar was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Police, Anti-Terrorist Squad (Bidhannagar). Here, his team made a major breakthrough by arresting the chief of the Jamiat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a group responsible for the Bardhaman blast. The arrest not only stopped further terror plots but brought national attention to Bidhannagar’s ATS.
During his tenure as Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID, Sarkar once again proved his mettle by capturing the prime accused in the Ranaghat rape case, a crime that had shocked the entire nation. In a separate milestone, he successfully infiltrated the cyber networks of ISIS, shortly after the arrest of a terrorist linked to the organization. This critical cyber intelligence helped Indian agencies understand ISIS’s digital tactics and propaganda machinery.
From Disaster Response to Border Crime: A Broad Spectrum of Service
Sarkar’s appointment as Additional Superintendent of Police, Murshidabad brought new challenges. He displayed exceptional leadership during the Daulatabad bus accident, which had claimed 42 lives. Despite being injured himself while handling the aftermath and controlling large-scale violence, he received appreciation from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal for his courage.
His next assignment saw him handle NRC-related violence and later, as ASP (Rural), Malda, he spearheaded operations against powerful drug mafias in Kaliachak. Under his command, numerous arrests were made and major drug hauls seized, establishing a robust crackdown on narcotics trafficking in the region.
Tackling Transnational Crime: Drug Money and Cattle Smuggling
As Special Superintendent of Police, CID (Malda Zone), Sarkar escalated the offensive against drug cartels. One of the highlights of this phase was the recovery of Rs. 1.4 crore in drug money from a residence in Gazole, Malda. In parallel, he led efforts to counter cattle smuggling networks in Murshidabad, freezing the assets of notorious smugglers who had long operated with impunity after fleeing the country.
A New Chapter in Bidhannagar and a Literary Endeavor
In February 2024, Aneesh Sarkar returned to city policing as DCP, Bidhannagar Zone, where his experience is being tested across several complex urban scenarios. His tenure continues to reflect his trademark calm under pressure and strategic problem-solving abilities.
Off the field, Sarkar is now preparing to enter the literary world. He is on the verge of completing his debut novel, a gripping narrative rooted in his own experiences from Lalgarh during the Maoist insurgency. The book, which chronicles the lives of a police officer and three rebels, aims to offer an intimate look at the human cost of conflict and the choices made on both sides of the law.
Why Aneesh Sarkar’s Journey Matters
In an era where policing is increasingly challenged by cybercrime, terrorism, and organized networks, Aneesh Sarkar’s career serves as a blueprint for integrity-driven, field-based leadership. His deep operational knowledge, combined with a fearless approach to law enforcement, makes him one of the most respected IPS officers in West Bengal and beyond.
As citizens demand safer cities and stronger national security, the journey of officers like Aneesh Sarkar reassures us that there are still individuals who choose duty over comfort, service over fame, and truth over fear.
