In a move widely seen as recognition of his role in combating Left-wing extremism, senior IPS officer Sundarraj P of the Senior IPS officer Sundarraj P has been appointed NIA Inspector General, recognising his role in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh's Bastar.cadre has been appointed as Inspector General (IG) in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on June 16, 2026, the Centre has approved his deputation to the premier anti-terror agency. The Chhattisgarh government has been requested to relieve him of his current responsibilities at the earliest so that he can assume his new role.
A 2003-batch IPS officer, Sundarraj P has been appointed against a vacant IG post in the NIA under standard central deputation terms. His elevation comes after years of leading key anti-Naxal operations in the insurgency-affected Bastar division.
During his tenure in Bastar, Sundarraj played a pivotal role in coordinating efforts between security forces and the local administration. Under his leadership, multiple high-impact operations were conducted, significantly weakening Naxal networks and improving the overall security environment in the region.
Beyond security measures, he was also involved in initiatives focused on development and confidence-building among local communities in Naxal-affected areas, aiming to address the root causes of extremism.
The NIA, India’s premier counter-terrorism agency, is responsible for investigating cases related to terrorism, extremism, Naxal funding, organised crime, and other threats to national security.
Officials and observers view Sundarraj’s appointment as a strategic step to bolster the agency’s capabilities in handling complex cases involving Naxal and terror networks at the national level. Within the Chhattisgarh Police, the move is being regarded as a matter of pride and a testament to the officer’s professional competence and service record.