Lucknow: Piyush Mordia, a 1998-batch IPS officer appointed as the new police commissioner of Prayagraj, brings to the post a distinguished record spanning anti-Naxal operations in India’s Red Corridor, law-and-order management during the Covid-19 pandemic, and key security responsibilities for the Maha Kumbh.The 56-year-old decorated officer is also known for blending extensive field policing experience with academic accomplishment, having pursued studies at Harvard University.A native of Rajasthan’s Ajmer, Mordia belongs to the Uttar Pradesh cadre and has built a career spanning nearly three decades across district policing, metropolitan law enforcement, counter-insurgency operations and strategic leadership.His distinguished service has earned him several honours, including the President’s Police Medal on two occasions.One of the defining phases of his career came during his central deputation with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where he served as inspector general (central sector). He supervised anti-Naxal operations in the Red Corridor, particularly in Chhattisgarh, while also overseeing security operations in the northeastern states, gaining extensive experience in combating left wing extremism and managing complex internal security challenges.Back in Uttar Pradesh, Mordia served as senior superintendent of police (SSP) in Varanasi, Moradabad, Mainpuri, Bulandshahr and Aligarh. His tenure in Aligarh coincided with the Covid-19 outbreak, where he led law-and-order management, enforcement of pandemic restrictions and public safety measures during one of the most challenging periods for policing.His rise through the ranks saw him take over as joint commissioner of police (law & order), Lucknow, where he supervised policing in the state capital, handling major protests, high-profile events and the city’s evolving security challenges.He was later appointed inspector general (IG), Aligarh Range, before taking charge as additional director general (ADG), Varanasi Zone. In this role, he played a key role in security planning and law-and-order management during preparations for the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest religious congregations.Beyond policing, Mordia is regarded as one of the academically accomplished officers in the Indian Police Service. He holds degrees in Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). He later pursued a Master of Public Administration as an Edward S Mason Fellow at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, specialising in governance, public policy and leadership.
