P. Sundarraj, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 2003 Chhattisgarh cadre, is a name synonymous with courage, strategic brilliance, and relentless dedication in the fight against Naxalism. As of March 06, 2025, he serves as the Inspector General (IG) of Police for the Bastar Range, a volatile region in Chhattisgarh known for its dense forests and Maoist insurgency. With a career spanning over two decades, Sundarraj has earned a reputation as one of India’s foremost experts in countering Naxal operations, blending grassroots policing with high-level tactical planning.
Early Life and Education
P. Sundarraj was born on February 27, 1980, in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India known for producing numerous distinguished civil servants. Hailing from a modest background, Sundarraj’s early years instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and purpose. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture, a field that reflects his initial inclination toward understanding rural ecosystems—an insight that would later prove invaluable in his policing career in Chhattisgarh’s tribal heartlands.
Driven by a desire to serve the nation, Sundarraj shifted his focus to the highly competitive Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). His perseverance paid off when he cleared the exam in 2003, securing a place in the IPS. Assigned to the newly formed Chhattisgarh cadre—following the state’s bifurcation from Madhya Pradesh in 2000—Sundarraj embarked on a career that would see him tackle some of the toughest challenges in Indian law enforcement.
Early Career and Rise in the IPS
Sundarraj’s IPS journey began on September 5, 2003, with his first posting as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Korba district, Chhattisgarh. This initial assignment came at a time when the state was grappling with the dual challenges of establishing administrative stability and combating Naxal insurgency. In Korba, he quickly made his mark by cracking down on local criminal networks and conducting his first recorded encounter, signaling his readiness to confront lawlessness head-on.
Over the next decade, Sundarraj’s career trajectory saw him posted across various districts in Chhattisgarh, many of which were Naxal-affected. His tenure as SP in Rajnandgaon district by 2016 showcased his growing expertise in handling insurgency-related issues. In a major reshuffle that year, he was appointed SP of the State Intelligence Branch (SIB) in Raipur, a role that honed his skills in intelligence gathering and strategic operations—key tools in the fight against Maoists.
Appointment as Bastar IG: A Turning Point
The defining phase of P. Sundarraj’s career began in November 2021, when he was appointed Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range. Covering seven districts—Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, and Sukma—this 39,000-square-kilometer region is a hotbed of Maoist activity. His appointment followed earlier stints in Bastar, including a brief tenure as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in 2017, replacing the controversial S.R.P. Kalluri amid allegations of human rights violations.
Sundarraj’s leadership in Bastar has been marked by a blend of aggressive anti-Naxal operations and efforts to maintain law and order during critical events like elections. His tenure was extended beyond the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by the Election Commission of India, a testament to his effectiveness in ensuring peaceful polling in a region notorious for Maoist disruptions. Under his command, security forces have neutralized numerous Naxalites, disrupted their supply lines, and reclaimed territory from insurgent control.
Key Contributions to Counter-Naxalism
P. Sundarraj’s contributions to Chhattisgarh’s anti-Naxal campaign are both strategic and operational. As Bastar IG, he has overseen high-profile encounters, such as the March 2024 operation near Chipurbhatti in Bijapur district, where six Naxalites, including two women, were killed. This encounter, targeting PLGA Platoon No. 10, underscored his ability to lead complex operations in dense jungle terrain. Reports indicate that several other Naxalites were injured, weakening their operational strength ahead of the April 2024 elections.
Sundarraj’s approach goes beyond brute force. He has emphasized the use of technology—such as drones and surveillance systems—to track Maoist movements, a strategy he alluded to in a 2023 interview with The Economic Times, though he refrained from disclosing specifics for security reasons. He has also focused on exploiting “grey areas” along inter-state borders, where Naxals often seek refuge, enhancing coordination with neighboring states like Odisha and Maharashtra.
His tenure has seen a significant reduction in Naxal influence, with Maoists increasingly relying on makeshift solutions like solar panels to power their gadgets—a sign of their desperation amid sustained pressure from security forces under Sundarraj’s command. His role in ensuring peaceful elections in 2018, 2019, and 2024 further highlights his ability to balance security and democratic processes in a conflict zone.
Challenges and Controversies
Leading anti-Naxal operations in Bastar is no easy feat. The region’s rugged terrain, coupled with the Maoists’ guerrilla tactics, poses constant challenges. Sundarraj has also had to navigate the delicate balance between aggressive policing and allegations of human rights abuses, a criticism that has historically plagued Bastar’s security apparatus. While he has not been personally implicated in controversies like his predecessor Kalluri, the broader narrative of fake encounters and activist targeting remains a shadow over the region’s police operations.
Despite these challenges, Sundarraj has maintained a reputation for professionalism and restraint. His focus on intelligence-driven operations rather than indiscriminate crackdowns has helped mitigate some of the criticism faced by earlier administrations.
Personal Life and Public Persona
P. Sundarraj keeps his personal life private, a common trait among IPS officers operating in high-risk zones. Little is known about his family, though it is assumed he is married and possibly has children, consistent with the profiles of many officers of his rank. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, he brings a unique perspective to Chhattisgarh, blending southern pragmatism with an understanding of central India’s tribal dynamics.
In the public eye, Sundarraj is seen as a no-nonsense officer whose calm demeanor belies his fierce resolve. His viral recognition in 2024, as noted by News18, reflects his growing stature not just within policing circles but also among the public, who view him as a symbol of resilience against insurgency.
Vision for Bastar and Legacy
As of March 06, 2025, P. Sundarraj continues to lead Bastar’s police force with a vision of restoring peace and fostering development. He has spoken about the need to dismantle Naxal networks while addressing the socio-economic grievances that fuel insurgency—a nod to his agricultural background and understanding of rural distress. His leadership has paved the way for infrastructure projects and community outreach programs, aiming to win the trust of Bastar’s tribal population.
Sundarraj’s legacy is still in the making, but his impact is undeniable. By weakening the Maoist grip on Chhattisgarh, he has contributed to the broader national goal of internal security. Whether he rises further in the IPS hierarchy or continues to serve in Bastar, his name will remain etched in the annals of India’s fight against Naxalism.
Top FAQs About P. Sundarraj, IPS
- Who is P. Sundarraj, IPS?
P. Sundarraj is a 2003-batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, currently serving as the Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, known for his expertise in anti-Naxal operations. - Where was P. Sundarraj born?
He was born on February 27, 1980, in Tamil Nadu, India. - What is P. Sundarraj’s educational background?
He holds a BSc in Agriculture, which he completed before clearing the UPSC exam to join the IPS in 2003. - When did P. Sundarraj become Bastar IG?
He was appointed Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range in November 2021, with his tenure extended beyond the 2024 elections. - What are P. Sundarraj’s major achievements?
He has led successful anti-Naxal operations, including the 2024 Bijapur encounter, and ensured peaceful elections in Bastar in 2018, 2019, and 2024. - Why is P. Sundarraj considered a Naxal expert?
His extensive experience in Naxal-affected districts, strategic use of technology, and leadership in high-stakes operations have earned him this reputation. - What challenges does P. Sundarraj face in Bastar?
He contends with Maoist insurgency, difficult terrain, and the need to balance security operations with human rights concerns.
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