Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Aug 15: Nalin Prabhat, IPS (AP: 1992), has been named the new Director General of Jammu & Kashmir Police. His appointment will take effect after the retirement of the current DGP, R.R. Swain, on September 30, 2024.
Prabhat, who is rejoining the AGMUT cadre after his tenure with the National Security Guard (NSG), will begin his duties in Srinagar immediately. Until Swain’s retirement, Prabhat will serve as the Special Director General of J&K Police.
With extensive experience from his previous roles in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kashmir, Prabhat is well-versed in counter-terrorism operations. He will be the fifth non-J&K/AGMUT cadre IPS officer to lead the J&K Police since the militancy began in 1989, following notable predecessors including J.N. Saksena, B.S. Bedi, Gurbachan Jagat, and Ashok Prasad.
Senior officers have lauded R.R. Swain’s tenure, highlighting his significant contributions to counter-terrorism and regional stability. One officer remarked, “Swain’s commitment to eliminating terrorism and enhancing security has been exemplary. His efforts in combating terror financing, narco-terrorism, and internal threats have been highly effective.”
Swain, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the former J&K cadre now under AGMUT, previously served with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for 15 years. Upon his return to J&K in 2020, shortly after the abrogation of Article 370, he took on the role of Additional Director General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). His career also includes sensitive positions as Senior Superintendent of Police in various districts and roles within the J&K Vigilance Commission.
Another senior officer commented on Swain’s impact, stating, “Swain’s tough policies were crucial for maintaining stability in the Valley. His strategies to uphold peace after Article 370’s abrogation played a key role in countering separatist and militant threats. His efforts to address corruption and systemic issues were instrumental in fostering long-term peace.”
Under Swain’s leadership, a committee formed in July 2020 reviewed government employees, resulting in several dismissals based on scrutinized inputs.
