Srinagar: Swayam Prakash Pani, a 2000-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, took over as the new inspector general of police (IGP) Kashmir Range on 12 February, making him the youngest ever officer to hold the post.
Pani (41), an IPS officer of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, took over the charge of the IGP Kashmir on 12 February, a police official said. His appointment was confirmed on 8 February.
The police official said Pani is the youngest ever officer to hold the post of the IGP Kashmir and his name was cleared in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti last week.
Pani replaces Munir Ahmad Khan, who was holding the charge of the IGP Kashmir range, and has been appointed as the additional director general of police (ADGP) security and home guards, the official said.
Pani has served in key positions, including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police, south Kashmir range, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Kulgam and Kathua. He has also served in the Intelligence Bureau and National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Pani, who was serving as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, South Kashmir Range, is a 2000 batch IPS officer.
During his tenure as DIG, south Kashmir, many militant commanders were killed in encounters, officials said. All operations that Pani headed were meticulously planned, they said.
While focusing on anti-militancy operations, Pani also relentlessly worked to bring misguided youths to the mainstream and succeeded in bringing seven youths back to normal life.
Pani also ensured securing arrests of militants from encounter sites. As many as four militants were arrested from encounter sites during his tenure as DIG.
He was appointed SSP Kulgam in 2001 when militancy was at its peak in the region.
Amit Kumar has replaced Pani as DIG, south Kashmir, according to the official order released on 8 February.