New Delhi: The Central Government has appointed Viswanadh R (IPS:2016:KL) as Superintendent of Police (SP) in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on central deputation. The appointment, notified on Thursday, marks the induction of the Kerala-cadre IPS officer into India’s premier federal counter-terrorism investigation agency.
A 2016-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Viswanadh R has served in several important policing assignments across Kerala before moving to the NIA, where he will supervise investigations related to terrorism, national security and other offences assigned to the agency by the Central Government.
Appointment to NIA
The latest appointment has been made as part of the Central Government’s notifications and recommendations issued on Thursday.
With this posting, Viswanadh R moves from the Kerala cadre to a key central assignment in the National Investigation Agency. Deputation to the NIA provides IPS officers an opportunity to investigate complex cases involving terrorism, organised crime with cross-border implications and offences affecting national security.
As Superintendent of Police, he will supervise investigations, coordinate with state police forces and central agencies, and ensure the effective execution of cases entrusted to the NIA.
Who is IPS Viswanadh R?
Viswanadh R is a 2016-batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre. Originally from Aluva, Kerala, he secured All India Rank (AIR) 181 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.
Before joining the civil services, he was a Chartered Accountant, making a successful transition from the corporate profession to the Indian Police Service.
Profile at a Glance
- IPS Batch: 2016
- Cadre: Kerala
- Home State: Kerala
- Home Town: Aluva
- Date of Birth: March 25, 1990
- UPSC AIR: 181 (CSE 2015)
- Professional Background: Chartered Accountant
Career in Kerala Police
Viswanadh R joined the Indian Police Service on December 19, 2016, and has since held several important field and headquarters assignments.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Cherthala (2018–2020)
One of his earliest postings was as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Cherthala in Alappuzha district, where he gained valuable field policing experience.
District Police Chief, Palakkad (2021–2023)
He later served as District Police Chief (SP), Palakkad, where he handled law and order during several high-profile visits, including those of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. During his tenure, the district police also conducted operations against interstate theft networks.
Assistant Inspector General, Police Headquarters (2023–2024)
Following his field posting, Viswanadh R was transferred to the Police Headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram as Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, where he worked on administrative and operational policing matters.
District Police Chief, Malappuram (2024–2026)
Before his deputation to the Centre, he served as the District Police Chief of Malappuram at the Junior Administrative Grade (JAG), overseeing policing in one of Kerala’s largest districts.
Role in the National Investigation Agency
The National Investigation Agency is India’s premier federal investigative body responsible for probing terrorism-related offences, organised crime with cross-border ramifications and other cases assigned by the Central Government under the NIA Act.
The agency regularly coordinates with state police organisations, intelligence agencies and central enforcement bodies to investigate cases of national and international significance.
As Superintendent of Police, Viswanadh R will be responsible for supervising investigations, coordinating with multiple agencies and ensuring professional and timely investigation of sensitive national security cases.
Strengthening NIA’s Investigative Capacity
Appointments of experienced IPS officers from different state cadres form a key part of the NIA’s manpower strategy. With Viswanadh R joining as Superintendent of Police, the agency is expected to further strengthen its investigative capabilities in handling terrorism, organised crime and other high-profile cases affecting national security.
