With the impending retirement of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Director General R.S. Bhatti (IPS:1990:BH) on September 30, 2025, the selection process for his successor has entered a critical phase. According to senior security establishment sources, two senior IPS officers—Piyush Anand and Praveer Ranjan—have emerged as the leading candidates for this crucial position.
Background on the Transition
Mr. Bhatti, who was officially appointed as CISF Director General on March 28, 2024, assumed his responsibilities on August 31, 2024. His relatively brief leadership tenure has been marked by a strong focus on operational preparedness and strategic resource deployment, particularly at vital installations and sensitive locations across the country.
The Leading Candidates
Piyush Anand (IPS:1991:UP)
Currently serving as Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Mr. Anand brings substantial experience in disaster management, law enforcement, and administrative leadership. Having assumed his NDRF role on April 1, 2024, he succeeded Atul Karwal (IPS:1988:GJ). His extensive background in managing large-scale emergency operations makes him a strong candidate to lead the CISF, which is responsible for protecting the nation’s airports, nuclear facilities, metro systems, and other critical infrastructure.
Praveer Ranjan (IPS:1993:AGMUT)
As the current Special Director General of CISF, Mr. Ranjan offers deep institutional knowledge that could prove advantageous in the selection process. He joined the force as Additional Director General in February 2024 and was subsequently promoted to his current position. Prior to his CISF assignment, Mr. Ranjan served as Director General of Police for Chandigarh, where he successfully improved coordination among various law enforcement agencies in the Union Territory.
The final decision regarding the next CISF Director General rests with the central government, which is expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks.
