New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued two important orders involving senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. Andhra Pradesh cadre IPS officer Malika Garg (IPS:2015:AP) has been appointed as Assistant Director (SP level) at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad, while Santosh Rastogi (IPS:1998:MH) has been elevated as Additional Director General (ADG) in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Both appointments are part of the Centre’s continuing efforts to strengthen key national policing and training institutions with experienced officers.
Malika Garg Appointed Assistant Director at SVPNPA
According to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms Garg (IPS:2015:AP) has been appointed as Assistant Director (SP level) at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad on central deputation.
The appointment has been approved by the competent authority and will be governed by the standard terms and conditions applicable to central deputation assignments.
Malika Garg belongs to the 2015 batch of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. She will assume her new responsibilities after being formally relieved by the Andhra Pradesh government.
The SVPNPA is India’s premier police training institution responsible for training IPS probationers and conducting advanced professional courses for senior police officers from across the country. As Assistant Director, Garg will be involved in training, academic, and professional development activities for future police leadership.
Santosh Rastogi Elevated as Additional Director General in NIA
In a separate order, the Ministry of Home Affairs elevated Mr Rastogi (IPS:1998:MH) as Additional Director General (ADG) in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge and will remain valid until August 5, 2027, which is the approved tenure of his deputation in the NIA, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Serving in NIA Since 2020
Mr Rastogi has been serving as Inspector General (IG) in the NIA since August 5, 2020.
He was initially appointed for a five-year tenure. In March 2025, the Centre extended his deputation by an additional two years, allowing him to continue serving in the country’s premier counter-terrorism investigation agency until August 5, 2027.
Promotion Follows ADG Empanelment
IPS Rastogi’s elevation comes a few months after he was empanelled in March 2026 for holding Additional Director General-level posts in the Government of India.
His appointment as ADG in the NIA is in line with that empanelment and reflects his experience in handling high-profile national security and terrorism-related investigations.
The National Investigation Agency plays a pivotal role in investigating terrorism, national security, organised crime, and other cases having inter-state and international ramifications. As Additional Director General, Rastogi will occupy one of the agency’s top leadership positions.
Strengthening Key Police Institutions
The latest appointments reinforce the Centre’s focus on strengthening both police training and national security institutions. While Malika Garg will contribute to grooming the next generation of IPS officers at the National Police Academy, Santosh Rastogi will continue to play a crucial leadership role in the National Investigation Agency’s counter-terrorism and national security operations.
