Rajiv Mathur takes over as new IB Director

NEW DELHI: Rajiv Mathur on Thursday took over as the new Director of the Intelligence Bureau.

Mr Mathur, a 1972 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, who has served in the Intelligence Bureau for nearly three decades, which included 15 years in Washington, took over at the helm of the IB from P C Haldar, who retired as its Director on December 31.
The name of Mathur, who was earlier Special Director in the IB, was cleared by the Appointments' Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in early December.

Considered an expert hand in dealing with North-east insurgencies, Mr Mathur's appointment comes at a time when intelligence agencies in the country have come under sharp criticism for its repeated failures to stop terror strikes from across the border.

He is expected to streamline the reforms in the country's intelligence machinery to meet the challenges due to the changed tactics of elements inimical to the country.

The 59-year-old Mr Mathur will be holding the post for two years or until fresh orders from the Government.