Two Spy Chiefs, One Agency: Power Shifts In Intelligence Bureau

As Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka approaches his retirement in June next year, the country's premier intelligence agency is witnessing an extraordinary transition of power that has sent ripples through India's security establishment.

Dixit Takes Operational Control

Senior IPS officer of 1993 batch belonging to Andhra Pradesh cadre  Mahesh Dixit, who recently transitioned from heading Jammu & Kashmir's IB unit (SIB), to the role of second-in-command at IB headquarters in Delhi. However, according to top intelligence sources, this isn't your typical deputy arrangement. "This is not a normal second-in-command functioning in IB," reveal senior sources within the intelligence establishment. "Dixit is fully operational and looking after almost everything

" Beyond Second-In Command"

What makes this transition particularly striking is the extent of operational authority now resting with the second-in-command. Intelligence insiders describe a shift from the traditional shared responsibility model to what appears to be a one-sided transfer of operational control. "The reins are going well beyond traditional second-in-command responsibilities and familiarization processes," sources explain

The Intelligence Power Corridors

The unprecedented nature of this transition hasn't gone unnoticed in intelligence bureaucracy circles. A telling comment from a top source in Intelligence establishment captures the mood: "DIB is counting his days now — management is being handled by his newly appointed second-in-command." This observation reflects growing speculation about whether Deka's early operational handover signals a strategic succession plan or represents something more significant within India's intelligence hierarchy which according to some sources is perhaps due to some health issues as well.

Dixit's Credentials: A Counter-Terror Specialist

The choice of Mahesh Dixit for this expanded role appears strategically sound, given his extensive operational background:

1-Counter-terrorism expertise: Proven track record in managing IB's counter-terror operations J&K landscape mastery:Deep understanding of Kashmir's complex terror networks and operational challenges

2-Tactical acumen: Specialization in operational and tactical security within intelligence circles

3- Field experience: Years of hands-on experience in one of India's most sensitive security theatres

Intelligence Management Prioritization 

This transition comes at a critical time for India's security apparatus, with evolving regional threats and changing operational demands. Dixit's early assumption of comprehensive operational control suggests IB is prioritising continuity and specialised expertise in its leadership transition.