Government Announces Top-Level Appointments in Central Police Forces
The government announced three major appointments at the Director General level in central police organizations on Wednesday evening. These appointments fill crucial leadership positions in key security agencies.
Rakesh Aggarwal Takes Permanent Charge of NIA
The National Investigation Agency now has a regular Director General. Rakesh Aggarwal, who served as special DG and interim head of NIA, received the permanent appointment. He replaces Sadanand Date, who left the position prematurely last month.
Aggarwal belongs to the 1994 batch of IPS officers from the Himachal Pradesh cadre. He assumes leadership during a critical period for the agency. Several important terror investigations are currently at crucial stages.
Key cases under NIA's purview include:
- The Pahalgam terror attack case, where charges were filed just last month
- The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks conspiracy involving Tahawwur Hussain Rana
- Investigations into terror-gangster-drug traffickers networks
- Ongoing probes into Left-wing extremism activities
The trial for the Pahalgam case will begin soon. Meanwhile, NIA continues gathering evidence about the conspiracy's connections to Pakistan.
Praveen Kumar Becomes BSF Director General
Praveen Kumar received promotion to the position of BSF Director General. He had been serving as acting chief since Daljit Singh Chawdhary retired in November 2025. Kumar previously held the dual responsibility of ITBP DG while managing additional charge for BSF.
This 1993 batch IPS officer from the West Bengal cadre takes command during a sensitive period. The India-Bangladesh border, which BSF secures, has become increasingly tense. Political changes in Bangladesh during August 2024 created new challenges.
Recent incidents include violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and increased infiltration attempts along the international border. With West Bengal assembly elections approaching, BSF plans to enhance vigilance at border outposts and illegal crossing points.
Shatrujeet Kapoor Appointed ITBP Director General
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor will lead the Indo-Tibetan Border Police as its new Director General. This 1990 batch officer previously served as Haryana's Director General of Police.
Kapoor's appointment follows a controversial period in his career. He proceeded on leave in August 2025 after his name appeared in a suicide note. The note came from IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who accused Kapoor and other officers of harassment and caste discrimination.
Facing pressure from these allegations, the Haryana government replaced Kapoor with O P Singh as head of police force. They asked Kapoor to take leave, after which he requested a central assignment. According to his appointment order, Kapoor will lead ITBP until October 2026 or until further orders.
These appointments come at a time when India faces multiple security challenges. The new leaders will oversee critical investigations and border security operations during politically sensitive periods. Their experience and leadership will be tested immediately as they assume command of their respective forces.
