Putting an end to speculations, the Centre on Wednesday appointed new chiefs to head the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and the Intelligence Bureau. While Samant Goel will head the R&AW, Arvind Kumar has been appointed as the chief of the Intelligence Bureau.
Notably, Samant Goel was one of the key strategists of the Balakot air strikes, while Arvind Kumar is a Kashmir and Maoist expert. Goel will replace Anil Dhasmana as the head of the country's external intelligence agency. Arvind Kumar will take over from Rajiv Jain at the top post.
Both the officials, from the 1984 batch of IPS officers, are expected to assume charge on June 30.
According to media reports, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by PM Modi and comprising Home Minister Amit Shah, has approved the names of Kumar and Goel for the posts.
This story will be updated.
