Tapan Kumar Deka is a 1988-batch IPS officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre and has been serving as the Director of the Intelligence Bureau since June 2022. The Central Government had previously extended his tenure twice—first in June 2024 and again in June 2025—with each extension lasting one year. Media reports had speculated that he might receive yet another one-year extension; however, the decision by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has proven these reports incorrect.
According to the appointment order approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Dixit—currently serving as a Special Director in the IB—has been granted a service extension to assume this top role. The 59-year-old Mahesh Dixit will succeed the incumbent Director, Tapan Kumar Deka, and will hold the position for two years from the date of assuming charge. Mahesh Dixit was originally an IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre but was allocated Telangana cadre following the bifurcation of the state.
IPS Mahesh Dixit possesses decades of experience in gathering intelligence, conducting counter-terrorism operations and managing national security. He is regarded as a key architect behind several sensitive intelligence operations undertaken by the government in recent years.
A pivotal moment in his career was his role in the preparations leading up to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Officials familiar with the developments stated that Dixit played a crucial role in assessing the security implications of this historic move and formulating strategies to maintain law and order during the transition. He was posted in Srinagar at the time.
Following the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh into Union Territories, Dixit was entrusted with significant intelligence responsibilities in the region. Officials believe he helped restore public trust during a politically sensitive period while also contributing effectively to tackling security challenges posed by terrorism and separatist elements.
