New Delhi: In a major reshuffle of leadership across India’s central security architecture, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Wednesday appointed senior IPS officer Shatrujeet Singh Kapur as the new Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Simultaneously, the current ITBP chief Praveen Kumar has been appointed as the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), while IPS Rakesh Aggarwal has been named the new chief of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The appointments come at a crucial time as India strengthens border management, counter-terrorism capabilities, and internal security preparedness.
Shatrujeet Kapur to Lead ITBP Till Superannuation
Mr Kapur, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Haryana cadre, will serve as the Director General of ITBP until October 31, 2026, his date of retirement. The appointment marks his return to an active leadership role after being relieved as Haryana’s Director General of Police (DGP) in December 2025.
Kapur was serving in his cadre state Haryana at the time of appointment and had most recently held the position of Chairman, Haryana Police Housing Corporation, Panchkula.
Praveen Kumar Appointed as BSF Chief
The outgoing ITBP Director General Praveen Kumar, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF). His tenure will extend until September 30, 2030, his date of retirement.
With this appointment, Praveen Kumar takes charge of India’s largest border guarding force, responsible for securing the country’s international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, among other key responsibilities.
Background of Kapur’s Exit as Haryana DGP
Shatrujeet Kapur was appointed as Haryana DGP on August 16, 2023. However, in October 2025, he was asked by the state government to proceed on leave amid mounting pressure following the suicide of senior IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, who allegedly named Kapur and others in a suicide note.
Subsequently, when the Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana government initiated the process of appointing a new DGP, Kapur was formally transferred out on December 14, 2025, and 1992-batch IPS officer O.P. Singh was given charge as officiating Head of Police Force (HoPF).
The move followed observations by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which noted that since Kapur was technically on leave and could rejoin, no vacancy would arise upon the retirement of the officiating DGP, thereby necessitating his transfer to create a valid vacancy.
Who Is Shatrujeet Kapur: Profile and Career
Shatrujeet Singh Kapur is regarded as a tough and efficient police officer, particularly known for his work in anti-corruption investigations and administrative reforms.
Personal Background
- Date of Birth: October 21, 1966
- Place of Birth: Jind, Haryana
- Native Place: Phagwara, Punjab
- Education: B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Kurukshetra (1983–1988 batch)
Key Career Milestones
Mr Kapur joined the IPS on September 16, 1991, and has over 34 years of policing and administrative experience.
Major Appointments Held
- Director General, ITBP (January 2026 – October 2026)
- Director General of Police, Haryana (August 2023 – December 2025)
- Director General, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Haryana (2021–2023)
- Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Haryana Power Generation Corporation and other power utilities (2016–2021)
- ADGP (Crime) & CID Chief, Haryana (2014–2016)
- CBI Officer (SP and DIG roles, 2002–2008), including Director of CBI Training Academy
- UN Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (2001–2002)
- District SP in Gurgaon, Bhiwani, and Ambala during the 1990s
Awards and Honours
For his distinguished service, Kapur has received –
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2016)
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2006)
- UN Peacekeeping Medal (2001)
Who Is Praveen Kumar: Profile and Career
Senior IPS officer Praveen Kumar (West Bengal cadre, 1993 batch) was appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in September 2025. At the time of his appointment, he was serving as Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. He had earlier also served as Additional Director in the IB and was promoted to the rank of Special Director before taking over as ITBP DG.
Personal Details:
- Date of Birth: September 5, 1970
- Cadre: West Bengal
- Native Place: West Bengal (specific town details restricted due to security role)
Education:
- B.E. (Honours) in Civil Engineering
- LL.B. and LL.M.
- M.Phil. from the University of Madras
- Completed National Defence and Strategic Studies course at the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi
Career Overview:
- Service Duration: Over 30 years in various law enforcement and intelligence roles
- State Police Service: Served extensively in the West Bengal Police, including leadership and counter-insurgency roles
- Intelligence Bureau (IB): Served as Special Director, contributing to national intelligence and security operations
Current Positions (as of 2026):
- Director General (DG), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Since October 2025
- Director General (DG), Border Security Force (BSF): Additional charge since November 2025; regular DG appointment in January 2026
Tenure & Retirement:
- Expected to remain in office until superannuation on September 30, 2030
Career Highlights:
- Three-decade-long service spanning state policing, counter-insurgency, and national intelligence
- Leadership roles in India’s top central armed police forces, including ITBP and BSF
Role and Responsibilities of ITBP
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is tasked with securing India’s northern Himalayan borders, particularly along the India-China frontier. Its responsibilities include –
- Border surveillance and security
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Prevention of cross-border crimes
- Disaster management and rescue operations
- VIP security duties
Role and Responsibilities of BSF
The Border Security Force (BSF) is India’s primary force for guarding international borders, especially along Pakistan and Bangladesh. Its duties include –
- Preventing infiltration and smuggling
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Maintaining peace and order in border areas
- Assisting civil authorities during disasters and emergencies
Strengthening India’s Security Leadership
With the appointment of Shatrujeet Kapur to ITBP, Praveen Kumar to BSF, and Rakesh Aggarwal to NIA, the government has reinforced leadership across critical security institutions. These appointments are expected to enhance border security, counter-terror operations, and internal security coordination amid evolving national and regional challenges.
