In a major administrative reshuffle aimed at strengthening Odisha’s anti-Naxal operations, senior IPS officer Sanjeeb Panda (1994 batch) has been appointed as Additional Director General (ADG), Anti-Naxal Operations, with immediate effect.
Mr. Panda, who was previously serving as ADG (Training) and Director of the Biju Patnaik State Police Academy (BPSPA), will now also take charge of the Special Intelligence Wing (SIW). He will report directly to the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha.
Temporary Leadership Change at BPSPA
During Mr. Panda’s transition, IPS officer Anup Kumar Sahoo (2006 batch), currently posted as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Training, has been given additional responsibility as the interim Director of BPSPA until further orders.
Strategic DIG-Level Transfers for Enhanced Field Coordination
As part of the same notification, two DIG-rank officers have been reassigned in a strategic exchange to enhance intelligence and field synergy:
Mr. Akhileshvar Singh (IPS, 2009 batch), who was serving as DIG, South Western Range (SWR), Koraput, has been transferred to DIG, Special Intelligence Wing (SIW), Bhubaneswar.
Dr. Kanwar Vishal Singh (IPS, 2010 batch), previously DIG, SIW, has now been appointed as DIG, SWR, Koraput, replacing Mr. Singh.
These changes were officially notified through Home Department Notification No. 28794/IPS dated July 9, 2025.
Strengthening Counterinsurgency and Intelligence Operations
The reshuffle underscores Odisha’s renewed focus on internal security and counterinsurgency, particularly in Naxal-affected regions like Koraput. The appointment of seasoned officers like Mr. Panda and the DIG-level swaps are aimed at reinforcing the state’s intelligence apparatus, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and boosting on-ground operational capabilities.