The possibility of another extension for Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Kumar Deka (IPS:1988:HP) appears to have gained ground, with the Centre learnt to be considering continuation of his tenure beyond June 30, 2026.
If approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), it would be Deka’s third consecutive extension since taking charge as Director of the Intelligence Bureau on July 1, 2022.
Deka was initially appointed for a fixed two-year tenure and was subsequently granted two successive one-year extensions, with the current term ending on June 30, 2026.
The latest development marks a shift from earlier discussions around succession at the top of the agency. As reported earlier, speculation over a new IB chief had intensified in recent weeks and names of senior officers were being discussed within bureaucratic and security circles.
Among the names being discussed were Rithwik Rudra (IPS:1993:HP), currently serving as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau, and Sunita Khakhar (IPS:1996:OR), who is also serving as Special Director in the agency.
However, with indications that the government is considering continuation of Deka’s tenure, the process of appointing a new IB chief may remain on hold unless a different decision is taken.
An official decision is expected before completion of Deka’s current tenure on June 30.
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