J&K DGP R R Swain: A Powerful Figure Post Article 370 Abrogation
17.07.2024: Jammu & Kashmir’s Director General of Police, Rashmi Ranjan Swain, has become one of the most influential figures in the region, especially following the abrogation of Article 370. Known for his hardline policies and stringent measures, Swain has ruffled feathers among political parties with his recent remarks accusing them of facilitating Pakistan’s infiltration into civil society.
Background and Career
- Early Career: Swain, a 1991-batch IPS officer originally from Odisha, has spent a significant part of his career on central deputation.
- Key Positions in J&K: He has held several sensitive positions in J&K, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Srinagar and Jammu, and roles in the J&K Vigilance Commission (now the Anti-Corruption Bureau).
Rise to Power
Swain returned to J&K in 2020, a year after the abrogation of Article 370, to serve as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the J&K Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). His role as intelligence chief made him a pivotal figure in the Valley, directly reporting to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the Union Home Ministry.
Key Contributions
- Crackdown on Militancy: Swain is credited with curbing separatist and militant networks in the Valley, a crucial part of the Modi government’s strategy post-Article 370 to prevent violence.
- Anti-Corruption Measures: He also targeted corrupt police officers, aligning with the Centre’s vision of a new era in Kashmir.
Controversial Policies
- Hardline Measures: Swain’s approach has been criticized for its severity. He allegedly weaponized the issuance of passports and job verifications against militant families and dissenting voices, including activists and journalists.
- Government Employee Terminations: He is believed to have formulated policies that led to the termination of government employees with suspected links to separatism or militancy, often without due process.
Political Influence
Swain’s tenure has not been without controversy in the political sphere. He has been accused of influencing J&K politics by orchestrating splits in parties and pressuring leaders to switch allegiances, aligning with the Centre’s objectives.
Relations with Colleagues
Swain’s powerful position as intelligence chief led to strained relations with some top police officers, including his predecessor DGP Dilbagh Singh. Upon Singh’s retirement in October 2023, Swain was appointed the in-charge police chief, while retaining his role as intelligence chief, underscoring his critical role in the region.
Rashmi Ranjan Swain’s tenure as J&K’s DGP and head of intelligence has been marked by significant achievements in curbing militancy and corruption, albeit with a controversial approach. As J&K continues to navigate its post-Article 370 landscape, Swain remains a key figure in shaping its security and political dynamics.