The central government has appointed senior IPS officer Nalin Prabhat as Special Director General (DG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police effective immediately and he will take over as J&K’s police chief after the retirement of R R Swain on October 1.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order confirming Prabhat’s appointment.
"Consequent upon joining the AGMUT Cadre on Inter-cadre deputation from Andhra Pradesh Cadre, Nalin Prabhat, IPS (AP:1992) is hereby posted to Jammu & Kashmir as Special Director General (SDG), Jammu & Kashmir Police with immediate effect and till 30.09.2024,” reads an order issued by MHA.
The order further stated that after the retirement of Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, RR Swain on September 30, Nalin Prabhat will be appointed as Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police from October 1.
Prabhat has a distinguished career marked by multiple accolades, including three Police Gallantry Medals and the Parakram Padak.
At 55 years old, Prabhat has an extensive background in counter-insurgency operations, having previously led the Greyhounds, a highly specialised anti-Naxal unit, in Andhra Pradesh.
His experience includes significant roles within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where he served as DIG, Inspector General of Operations and Additional Director General in the Kashmir.
Before his posting in J&K, the government curtailed Prabhat’s tenure as Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) and facilitated his inter-cadre deputation from Andhra Pradesh to the Union Territories cadre (AGMUT) for an initial period of three years.
Prabhat’s extensive experience in Jammu and Kashmir equips him well for the challenges ahead.
His previous assignments in the region have fostered a deep understanding of its complex security landscape, which includes ongoing threats from terrorism and internal unrest.
Observers suggest that Prabhat’s expertise could be pivotal in addressing the region’s security needs during this politically sensitive period.
The appointment of Prabhat as DGP of Jammu and Kashmir has come at a time when Jammu region has witnessed sudden surge in terror incidents and attacks on security forces.
His appointment is expected to bring a strategic approach to the region’s law enforcement, with hopes that his leadership will significantly contribute to maintaining peace and stability in one of India’s most challenging areas.
Prabhat was awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry with second Bar (That means thrice), Parakram Padam (Wound Medal), Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Antrik Suraksha Padak (AP), Antrik Suraksha Padak (J&K), Police (Special Duty) Medal with Bar (J&K).