SRINAGAR: In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs, has announced the appointment of Rashmi Ranjan Swain as the new Director General of Police (DGP) for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Swain, an experienced officer, recognised for his unwavering commitment to integrity, ethics, truthfulness, and conscientiousness, is set to take the reins from the outgoing DGP, Dilbag Singh, who is due to retire on October 31.
After his appointment, during an exclusive conversation with The New Indian, Swain expressed his commitment to transforming the J&K Police into as defenders of peace and security. The incoming DGP warned separatists and terrorists to refrain from handing over guns to innocent youth and wage war against India while they send their own family members abroad to pursue higher studies.
“J&K Police will fan out as warriors of peace and protection behind whose iron chest and broad shoulders the common man can seek shelter from the evil and self-seeking bullies of terror, bandh, intimidation, blackmail, incitement, hartal, and arson. Officers and men of JKP would rise to be the guardian angels in every nook and corner to fight those who engineer recruitment of teenagers to die and send their children to Delhi, Dubai, and London for higher education,” he said.
He also underscored the commitment of the J&K Police to initiate a comprehensive campaign against those who acquire “poison” from foreign sources and distribute them in the streets, pilfer public funds and assets to construct extravagant residences and luxury vehicles.
“It would be the biggest bulwark against anyone trying to sustain the death and destruction machinery for benefits of power, privileges, and money or profit out of the misfortune of a hapless people,” he emphasised.
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About RR Swain:
Swain’s extensive 32-year career in the Indian Police Service has seen him serve in various critical roles, including as District Police Chief in Srinagar and Jammu. His tenure in these roles has been regarded as particularly challenging due to the region’s sensitivity.
He has also served as the Senior Superintendent of Police in districts like Ramban, Kargil, Kathua, and Poonch. Notably, RR Swain played a key role in establishing Village Defence Committees (VDCs) and the Special Operation Group (SOG).
Additionally, he served as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the State Vigilance Organisation, now known as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), where he introduced innovative anti-corruption measures.
Returning to J&K in 2020 after a decade of service in the Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of External Affairs, RR Swain was appointed as the ADGP CID. His dedication and commitment to his work led to his empanelment as Director General (DG) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in August 2023.
RR Swain’s contributions extend to the establishment of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) in J&K, which operates in line with national investigative agencies. Under Swain’s leadership, the SIA achieved significant milestones, including the attachment of properties worth over Rs 100 crore, including one belonging to the pro-Pakistani secessionist Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The SIA also uncovered cases related to the sale of Pakistani MBBS seats to J&K residents to fund terrorism.
As Chairman of The Terror Monitoring Group, RR Swain played a pivotal role in identifying individuals within government departments in J&K who supported separatism and terrorism-related activities. His exceptional service has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the President of India’s Gallantry Police Medal, Parakram Padak for injuries sustained while combating terrorists, and medals for meritorious and distinguished service from both the state and central governments.