In a major leadership reorganisation within India’s internal security and human rights oversight framework, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has cleared two key senior Indian Police Service (IPS) appointments involving the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The changes are part of a broader administrative realignment aimed at enhancing efficiency, strengthening internal security management and reinforcing the investigative capacity of national human rights institutions.
Anand Swaroop Takes Charge as Special Secretary (Internal Security), MHA
The ACC has approved the appointment of Anand Swaroop, a 1992-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, as Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He succeeds Praveen Vashista, a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre.
Swaroop will hold the position until his superannuation on 31 August 2029 or until further government directions. His tenure will formally begin from the date he assumes charge.
Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Director General (Investigation) at the NHRC, where he played a key role in strengthening the commission’s investigative framework.
Professional Profile: Anand Swaroop
With more than three decades of policing and administrative experience, Anand Swaroop has held several important assignments at both state and central levels. He is known for his disciplined leadership style, transparent functioning and strong command over internal security matters.
Key career highlights include:
• Director General, Uttar Pradesh Police (promoted in May 2025)
• Director General (Investigation), NHRC (August 2025 – January 2026)
• Central deputations in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the National Security Advisor’s Secretariat
• Extensive field experience as SSP and DIG in sensitive districts of Uttar Pradesh
Born in Patna, Bihar, Swaroop holds multiple academic qualifications including an M.A. in Economics, an MBA in Finance, LL.B and an M.Phil.
Anupama Nilekar Chandra Appointed DG (Investigation), NHRC
In a corresponding move, the ACC has appointed Anupama Nilekar Chandra, a 1994-batch IPS officer of the Bihar cadre, as Director General (Investigation), National Human Rights Commission. She will serve in this role until her retirement on 31 March 2031.
She succeeds Anand Swaroop and is expected to further strengthen NHRC’s investigative and enforcement capabilities.
Professional Profile: Anupama Nilekar Chandra
Dr Anupama Nilekar Chandra is widely regarded as one of the most experienced officers in central armed police and border security management.
Her distinguished service record includes:
• Special Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
• Additional Director General, SSB, overseeing sensitive Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan border security operations
• Additional Director General, Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D)
• Inspector General / Director (Training), BPR&D
• Completion of the prestigious 64th National Defence College (NDC) Course in 2024
She holds a medical degree and is recognised for her expertise in border security, operational preparedness and police training systems.
Administrative Significance
These appointments reflect the government’s strategic intent to reinforce leadership continuity in sensitive internal security and human rights oversight institutions. The reorganisation leverages the experience of senior IPS officers to improve coordination, accountability and operational effectiveness across federal security and investigative agencies.
Career Timeline Snapshot
Anand Swaroop
1992 – Joined IPS (UP cadre)
May 2025 – Promoted as DG, UP Police
Aug 2025 – Jan 2026 – DG (Investigation), NHRC
Jan 2026 – Aug 2029 – Special Secretary (Internal Security), MHA
Anupama Nilekar Chandra
1994 – Joined IPS (Bihar cadre)
2024–2025 – ADG/SDG, SSB
Jan 2026 – Mar 2031 – DG (Investigation), NHRC
