New Delhi: Senior IPS officer Sanjay A. Lathkar of the 1995 batch (Jharkhand cadre) has been appointed as Inspector General (Security) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment, as confirmed by an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). He will hold the position until his superannuation on September 30, 2028.
The post has been temporarily upgraded from Level 14 to Level 15 of the Pay Matrix for two years, aligning with the rank and pay of Additional Director General (ADG).
Background and Career:
Mr Lathkar, originally from Maharashtra and born on September 5, 1968, is a distinguished IPS officer with nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement and administration. He holds an M.Tech in Environmental Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay and has multiple additional qualifications in Law, Management, Cybercrime, Human Rights, and Criminal Justice. He recently earned his Ph.D., showcasing his dedication to lifelong learning.
Throughout his career, Lathkar has held various key roles including:
- Superintendent of Police (Latur)
- Additional Commissioner of Police (Pune City)
- DIG of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Maharashtra
- DIG and IG with the CRPF, where he led high-profile anti-naxal and internal security operations in critical regions such as Gadchiroli, Ranchi, Nagpur, and Mumbai.
Awards and Recognition:
Mr Lathkar’s exceptional contributions to policing and national security have been recognized with several prestigious awards. Due to his remarkable work, he has been awarded 8 different posts prior to this. He has also received several prestigious awards, including the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, the Internal Security Medal (twice), the Chief Minister of Jharkhand’s Gallantry Medal, the Medal for Quality Service announced by the President, and the Outstanding Service Medal from the Union Home Ministry, among others (IPS Sanjay Latkar).
In addition to these, he has received numerous honors from the Bihar and Jharkhand state governments. As a DIG in Gadchiroli and Nagpur, and as an IGP in Ranchi and Mumbai, he was awarded 11 DG, CRPF Commendation Discs for his leadership in the campaign against Naxals and for his administrative work. Furthermore, Latkar has received more than 60 commendation letters. He has also been honored twice by the Maharashtra Government with the Certificate of Honor, and by the State Minority Commission with the Mahatma Gandhi Award.
- President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (2002)
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (2015)
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (2022)
These accolades highlight his leadership, bravery, and strategic skills, especially in handling some of India’s most challenging law and order situations.
Community Engagement:
Beyond his uniformed duties, Lathkar has been actively involved in community development, focusing on education, sports, environmental conservation, and youth development in rural and naxal-affected areas. His leadership style combines strong enforcement with compassionate governance.
Role at the Department of Atomic Energy:
In his new role, Lathkar will be tasked with overseeing the security infrastructure of India’s critical atomic and nuclear establishments, ensuring the protection and safety of these vital assets. His vast experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening the nation’s security framework, safeguarding the country’s nuclear and atomic capabilities.
