SA Ibrahim Becomes First Muslim to Take Over as IB Chief

Indian Police Service officer SA Ibrahim took over as chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on Jan. 1, 2013. He became the first from India’s main minority community to hold the post.

Ibrahim, an IPS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken over from Nehchal Sandhu who retired on Dec. 31. He will hold the post for two years.

Ibrahim was appointed officer on special duty in IB last month after the government decided to elevate him as the head of the organization. He was serving as special director in the IB earlier.

Ibrahim has direct experience in anti-terror operations and has handled responsibilities ranging from the Kashmir desk to cyber security cell.

In his initial career, Ibrahim had field postings in Madhya Pradesh and had encounters with dacoits of Chambal ravines.

Officials who have worked with Ibrahim describe him as a thoroughbred professional and a gentle, soft-spoken person with talent for information-gathering.

Sources said the appointment will help counter an impression that members from the Muslim community do not make it to top posts in intelligence.