New Delhi: The Centre has appointed senior IPS officer Sundarraj Pattilingam as Inspector General (IG) in the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The officer had played a pivotal role in the government’s anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region.
A 2003-batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, Pattilingam served as the Inspector General of Bastar Range for nearly seven years and was widely credited with spearheading operations that substantially weakened the Maoist insurgency in the region. Under his leadership, security forces intensified intelligence-based operations, expanded their presence in remote areas, and facilitated large-scale surrenders of Maoist cadres.
Bastar, once regarded as the epicentre of Left-Wing Extremism in India, witnessed a sharp decline in Maoist activity during his tenure. Security operations led by local police units, the District Reserve Guard (DRG), central forces and intelligence agencies resulted in numerous arrests, encounters and surrenders, significantly reducing the strength of the insurgent movement.
Pattilingam had earlier served in key anti-Naxal assignments, including postings in South Bastar and the Special Intelligence Branch. His operational strategies and intelligence-driven approach were considered instrumental in turning the tide against Maoist groups in the region.
His appointment to the NIA comes at a time when the agency continues to handle major terrorism and national security investigations across the country. The NIA, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is India’s premier counter-terrorism investigation agency.
