SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed RR Swain, IPS, as the permanent Director General of Police (DGP) for Jammu & Kashmir.
Swain, who previously served in an interim capacity, will officially assume the role immediately. His term will last until September 30, 2024, or until further notice.
Since assuming the position of Acting DGP in October 2023, the number of public darbars held till now by Swain is 10. 6 in Kashmir and 4 in Jammu, swiftly addressing and resolving longstanding issues for many residents, thereby positively impacting the community.
Recently, DGP Swain exposed connections between terrorists and mainstream politicians in J&K, revealing how Pakistan has infiltrated key areas of civil society with the help of ostensibly mainstream or regional political activities. In a lecture in Jammu, Swain said there is substantial evidence showing how many have played both sides, confusing and alarming citizens and security forces alike.
He stated, “Routine visits to the homes of deceased terrorists and public expressions of condolences have become common. While the elimination of newly recruited terrorists was tolerated and tacitly endorsed, those facilitating recruitment and funding were rarely scrutinized.”
RR Swain, known for his unwavering commitment to integrity, ethics, honesty, and diligence, has an extensive 32-year career in the Indian Police Service. He has held various critical positions, including District Police Chief in Srinagar and Jammu, roles considered particularly challenging due to the region’s sensitivity.
He also served as the Senior Superintendent of Police in districts such as Ramban, Kargil, Kathua, and Poonch. Notably, 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, Swain was appointed as the ADGP CID. He was empanelled as Director General (DG) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in August 2023.
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Swain’s contributions include establishing the State Investigation Agency (SIA) in J&K, which operates in line with national investigative agencies. Under his leadership, the SIA achieved significant milestones, including the attachment of properties worth over Rs 100 crore, one of which belonged 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, Swain played a pivotal role in identifying and terminating 73 individuals within government departments under Article 311 of the constitution in J&K who supported separatism and terrorism-related activities.
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His service has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the President of India’s Gallantry Police Medal, the Parakram Padak for injuries sustained while combating terrorists, and medals for meritorious and distinguished service from both state and central governments.