Jai Narayan Pankaj Takes Charge as IGP Southern Range Odisha
Senior IPS officer Jai Narayan Pankaj has officially assumed charge as Inspector General of Police (IGP), Southern Range, Odisha, headquartered at Brahmapur.
He succeeds Niti Shekhar, who has been posted as IGP (Provisioning) at State Police Headquarters.
A 2005‑batch Odisha‑cadre officer, Pankaj previously served as IGP (Intelligence) in Bhubaneswar and has held key roles in the Special Task Force, Economic Offences Wing, and Vigilance.
This marks his second stint as IGP of the Southern Range, having earlier served in 2024.
His career includes postings as Superintendent of Police in Nayagada, Bhadrak, Kandhamala, Baleshwar, Jagatsinghpur, Baragada, and Kendujhar.
He has been recognised with the DGP’s Disc (2013) and the Police Medal (2020).
Upon taking charge, Pankaj emphasised strengthening policing, effective law‑and‑order management, and closer coordination among police units.
The Southern Range covers Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamala, and Boudh districts.
His appointment comes as part of a six‑officer IPS reshuffle notified by the Home Department on August 21, 2026.
