Bihar Government Transfers Senior IPS Officers and Assigns Additional Charges

KKN Gurugram Desk | In a major administrative move, the Bihar government has announced the transfer of several senior officers in the Indian Police Service (IPS). Along with the transfers, additional responsibilities have been assigned to several officers to strengthen the state’s police force and improve law and order. The reshuffle, which comes as part of routine administrative changes, has seen key figures in Bihar’s police department moved to new roles, with some officers also taking on extra duties.

This article outlines the details of the transfer of IPS officers in Bihar, the new responsibilities assigned, and the possible implications of these changes for law enforcement and governance in the state.

Key Transfers and Assignments: A Detailed Breakdown

The reshuffle in Bihar’s police services is one of the most significant in recent times, with various officers being reassigned to crucial positions. The move aims to enhance the state’s policing capabilities, especially in key areas such as law and order, cybercrime, economic offenses, and anti-terrorism efforts. Here are the important transfers and additional assignments:

1. Pankaj Kumar Darad’s New Role:

   • Pankaj Kumar Darad, the current Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), has been appointed as the Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Patna until further orders. In addition to his role in law and order, he has been given the additional charge of the Special Surveillance Unit (SSU).

   • Darad’s extensive experience in maintaining law and order across Bihar will be crucial in handling anti-terrorism operations in the state. His appointment reflects the government’s commitment to addressing terrorism-related threats.

2. Dr. Amit Kumar Jain’s New Charge:

   • Dr. Amit Kumar Jain, the ADG of the Weak Class Crime Investigation Department, has been given the additional charge of the ADG, Prohibition Department. This move is seen as part of the state’s efforts to curb liquor-related offenses and improve enforcement of prohibition laws.

   • Dr. Jain’s expertise in crime investigations will be critical in addressing the challenges faced by the Prohibition Department.

3. Rakesh Rathi Assigned New Responsibilities:

   • Rakesh Rathi, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Technical Services and Communication, has been relieved of his additional charge of the Economic Offenses Unit (Cyber Crime). He has now been appointed as the IG of the Special Branch.

   • The Special Branch plays a vital role in gathering intelligence and ensuring the safety of government officials and key installations. Rathi’s new position is aimed at strengthening intelligence operations and improving state security.

4. Ranjit Kumar Mishra Takes On New Responsibilities:

   • Ranjit Kumar Mishra, the IG of Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), has been given the additional responsibility of the IG of Police Training. This move reflects the importance of enhancing police training programs to ensure better preparedness of officers in combating modern crime.

   • Police training is critical for improving the skill sets of officers, especially in tackling cybercrime, terrorism, and other complex law enforcement challenges.

5. Other Key Changes in Senior Positions:

   • Babu Ram, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Personnel, has been appointed as the DIG of BSAP (Northern Division) until further orders.

   • Jayantkant, the DIG of the Crime Investigation Department (CID), has been given the additional charge of State Crime Records Bureau.

   • Manavjeet Singh Dhillon, DIG of the Economic Offenses Unit, has been relieved of his additional charge of the Prohibition Department and will continue his work with economic offenses.

6. Rajeev Mishra Takes On New Charge:

   • Rajeev Mishra, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has been given the additional responsibility of DIG of the Prohibition Department. This is a significant appointment as it involves managing both counter-terrorism efforts and the enforcement of alcohol prohibition in Bihar.

7. Appointments in Various Departments:

   • Abhay Kumar Lal, the DIG of the State Crime Records Bureau, has been appointed as the Deputy Director of the Bihar Police Academy, Rajgir.

   • Toheed Parvez, the DIG of Rail Police, has been transferred as the DIG of the Crime Investigation Department.

   • Rajendra Kumar Bheel, the DIG of Crime Investigation Department, has been reassigned to manage personnel affairs.

   • Deepak Ranjan, the Commandant of BSAP-3, Gaya, has been given the additional charge of BSAP-17, Bodh Gaya.

The Broader Implications of the Transfers

The recent transfers and reassignments within Bihar’s police force are not just routine administrative changes but reflect the state’s strategy to address evolving law enforcement challenges. These changes are significant for several reasons:

1. Focus on Counter-Terrorism: The appointment of senior officers like Pankaj Kumar Darad to lead the Anti-Terrorism Squad highlights the Bihar government’s commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism efforts. The growing concerns regarding national security, particularly in the context of rising terrorism, make such a move imperative.

2. Cybercrime and Economic Offenses: As cybercrimes and economic offenses continue to rise across India, the government’s decision to appoint capable officers like Rakesh Rathi to head the Special Branch and Dr. Amit Kumar Jain to the Prohibition Department aims to bring greater focus to these areas. Cybercrime and financial frauds have increasingly become global threats, and Bihar is taking proactive steps to combat these issues.

3. Training and Capacity Building: With Ranjit Kumar Mishra being assigned additional responsibility for police training, the government is underscoring the importance of capacity building within the police force. In a rapidly changing world, where crimes have become more sophisticated, equipping police officers with the right skills is crucial.

4. Strengthening Prohibition Laws: Bihar’s strict prohibition laws have often been challenged by illegal liquor manufacturing and smuggling. The reassignment of officers to handle the Prohibition Department, such as Rajeev Mishra and Dr. Amit Kumar Jain, shows the government’s firm stance on enforcing these laws effectively.

Political and Administrative Reactions to the Changes

The recent reshuffling of IPS officers has garnered attention not just within the police force but also from political circles. The Congress Party, led by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, has expressed support for the state’s law and order strategies, recognizing the need for effective policing in such times of change.

However, there will likely be political debates surrounding these transfers, as opposition parties may question whether these changes are aimed at improving governance or simply political appointments. The opposition could also argue whether the focus should be solely on strengthening the security apparatus or also on addressing the root causes of crime in the state.

Nonetheless, the strategic realignment within the police department is an important step in ensuring better law enforcement and maintaining the public’s trust in the system.

The reshuffling of IPS officers in Bihar is a move that aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to combat modern-day challenges, including terrorism, cybercrime, economic offenses, and the enforcement of prohibition laws. With experienced officers taking on new roles and additional responsibilities, the state is preparing for a more cohesive and effective policing strategy.

As the state continues to evolve in response to these complex challenges, these changes in the police leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law. The reorganization reflects the need for more streamlined and targeted actions in addressing Bihar’s security concerns, and it remains to be seen how these appointments will impact the overall law and order situation in the state in the coming months.