IPS Sundarraj is a name with the fame as Field Commander and Counter-Insurgency Specialist Behind Bastar’s Historic Defeat of Top Naxal Leaders
For nearly four decades, Bastar was synonymous with Naxal dominance, violent insurgency and the absence of state authority. Today, the same region is undergoing an extraordinary transformation — marked by record surrenders, decisive security operations, and a revival of development programs that were once unimaginable. At the centre of this sweeping shift stands a name that has become synonymous with courage, tactical brilliance and relentless field action: IPS Sundarraj P.
The Officer Who Rewrote Bastar’s Security Narrative
Mr. Sundarraj P, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Bastar Range, has emerged as one of the most impactful leaders in India’s long fight against Left-Wing Extremism. A 2003-batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, originally hailing from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, he has played a decisive role in reclaiming territories once dominated by Maoist forces and restoring state presence in remote, forested pockets.
His leadership has been instrumental in reshaping the region’s security architecture, expanding police legitimacy, and building a unified ground strategy that integrates both force and development.
From a Humble Childhood to the Ranks of India’s Elite Policing Service
Born on February 27, 1980, in a modest household in Coimbatore, Mr. Sundarraj grew up in an environment of discipline and public-minded values. His father served in a government department, instilling in him an early understanding of duty and integrity. After completing his schooling in his hometown, he set his sights on the Civil Services — clearing the UPSC Examination in 2003 on his very first attempt.
Choosing the Indian Police Service was a deliberate decision: he wanted to be on the ground, especially in regions where national security directly intersects with people’s everyday lives.
Bastar: His First Real Battlefield — and the Making of a Counter-Insurgency Leader
At the age of just 25, the young officer was posted to the Bastar region, then considered the most dangerous theatre of Maoist insurgency in India. Many officers hesitated to join the area due to extreme violence and inhospitable terrain, but Sundarraj embraced the challenge.
Over the years, he served in:
Korba
Rajnandgaon
Kanker
Kondagaon
Dantewada
These intense and high-pressure postings gave him first-hand experience in jungle warfare, tribal engagement, intelligence handling and people-centred security operations.
As Bastar Range IGP: Breaking the Operational Spine of Naxalism
By 2025, as the IG of Bastar Range, Mr. Sundarraj became the principal architect of several high-impact anti-Naxal operations. His tenure witnessed:
Neutralisation of top Naxal commanders
A tremendous increase in mass surrenders across districts
Revival of road networks and key infrastructure in previously inaccessible areas
A coordinated multi-district intelligence grid
High-intensity security operations in deep forest zones
His strategic clarity and continuous field presence helped weaken the ideological and organisational foundation of Maoist influence in Bastar.
A Comprehensive Model: Security Backed by Intelligence, Development and Rehabilitation
Although widely described as an encounter specialist, Sundarraj’s approach is far more nuanced and multidimensional. His operational philosophy rests on four pillars:
Intelligence-Led Operations
Leveraging local networks, technology and inter-district coordination to plan precision strikes.
Development as a Weapon of Peace
Strengthening road connectivity, public service delivery and restoring administrative presence in remote areas.
Rehabilitation and Surrender Policies
Encouraging Naxal cadres to return to mainstream life through structured surrender and reintegration programs.
Tribal Engagement and Trust Building
Continuous interaction with local communities to improve law enforcement credibility and communication.
This blended model has transformed Bastar from a conflict zone into an emerging development and security success story.
A Trusted Leader Among Forces and Tribal Communities
What sets IPS Sundarraj apart is his constant presence in the field. Whether it is long-range patrols, joint operations or crisis-management situations, he leads from the front. His simplicity, accessibility and direct communication style have earned him respect from:
Police personnel and special forces
Local tribal communities
District administrations
Youth and women’s groups
Improved public confidence, reduced attacks and enhanced local cooperation reflect his deep grassroots impact.
Career Highlights: High-Responsibility Positions Across Chhattisgarh
Before becoming the Bastar Range IGP, he served in key posts such as:
Superintendent of Police, Surguja
Superintendent of Police, Kabirdham
Superintendent of Police, Rajnandgaon
Superintendent of Police, Korba
His long association with Bastar’s socio-cultural complexities has made him one of India’s most knowledgeable and effective officers in counter-insurgency policing.
Major Operations and the Fall of Infamous Naxal Leaders
Under his command, several top Maoist leaders — including high-ranking figures like Hidma and Basavaraju — have been eliminated or neutralised. These operations are seen as turning points in India’s anti-Naxal campaign and have significantly degraded Maoist operational capacity.
Many within the police forces regard Sundarraj as a “decisive force multiplier”, while locals often describe him as the officer who “ended the fear” that loomed over Bastar for decades.
