Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal-Cadre IPS Officer Rithwik Rudra Emerges as Top Contender for IB Director Post
As the tenure of current Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Deka approaches its end in June 2026, senior Himachal Pradesh-cadre IPS officer Rithwik Rudra has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the country’s top intelligence position.
As the tenure of current Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Deka approaches its end in June 2026, senior Himachal Pradesh-cadre IPS officer Rithwik Rudra has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the country’s top intelligence position.
According to highly placed government sources, Rudra — a 1993-batch IPS officer currently serving as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau — is being seriously considered for the prestigious role. His name is reportedly among the frontrunners as the Centre prepares for a major reshuffle in India’s top security and investigative agencies.
Sources indicated that Tapan Deka, who has been leading the IB since 2022, is unlikely to receive another extension after June 30. Deka had already been granted two consecutive extensions beyond his original two-year tenure, making another extension less probable.
Rithwik Rudra is widely regarded within security and policing circles as an experienced and efficient officer with deep expertise in intelligence operations. Over the years, he has served in several key positions within the Intelligence Bureau, including Joint Director and Additional Director. His administrative experience and strong internal reputation are believed to have strengthened his candidature.
Interestingly, Rudra comes from a family with a strong policing background. His father also served as an IPS officer and later held the post of Haryana Director General of Police (DGP).
Another senior IPS officer being considered for the post is Sunita Khakhran, a 1996-batch Odisha-cadre officer who is currently serving as Special Director in the IB. Her name is also reportedly under active consideration during the selection process.
The development comes at a time when several high-profile appointments are expected across India’s security establishment.
Meanwhile, attention is also focused on the appointment of the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A high-level committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is expected to meet next week, likely on May 12, to finalise the next CBI chief.
Current CBI Director Praveen Sood is also unlikely to receive another extension after his tenure ends on May 31, sources said.
Among the officers being discussed for the CBI Director’s role are Rajeev Sharma, Praveer Ranjan, and GP Singh.
With multiple top-level appointments expected in the coming weeks, the Centre’s decisions are likely to shape India’s intelligence and investigative framework for the next few years.
