Patna/New Delhi: The Central Government has appointed two Bihar cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, Ashish Bharti and Swapna Gautam Meshram, as Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on central deputation. The appointments were approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 22, 2026, under the usual terms and conditions of central deputation.
The MHA has requested the Government of Bihar to relieve both officers immediately so they can assume their new roles at the Centre.
Appointments and Current Postings
Ashish Bharti (IPS: 2011, Bihar cadre): Previously serving as DIG, Prohibition and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), he has now been appointed DIG in the CRPF.
Swapna Gautam Meshram (IPS: 2011, Bihar cadre): Previously serving as DIG, State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), she too has been appointed DIG in the CRPF.
Both officers are set to take charge of their new assignments in line with central deputation norms.
About Ashish Bharti
Batch & Cadre: 2011, Bihar cadre
Current Assignment: DIG, Begusarai (2025)
Personal Background
Hometown: Parwalpur May, Nalanda district, Bihar
Family: Son of a local bookshop owner; married to Swapna Gautam Meshram, also a 2011-batch IPS officer
Professional Career
SSP, Gaya: Noted for “historic” law-and-order management
SP, Rohtas & Bhagalpur: Previous postings
DIG, Begusarai: Promoted in early 2025
Education Advocacy: Authored books for competitive exam preparation; known for mentoring IPS aspirants
Key Achievements
Social Initiatives: Established police libraries to support underprivileged students
Operational Success: Recognized as a “daredevil cop” for proactive policing and tackling crime and insurgency in Bihar
About Swapna Gautam Meshram
Batch & Cadre: 2011, Bihar cadre
Current Assignment (2026): DIG, CRPF
Professional Career
Commandant, Bihar Military Police (BMP)-02, Dehri-on-Sone, Bihar
SP, Naugachhia, Bhagalpur district
Personal Details
Date of Birth: October 10, 1983
Native Place: Maharashtra
Family: Married to Ashish Bharti (IPS, 2011, Bihar cadre)
Education & Training
Completed 22nd Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP) Phase-III
Significance of Appointments
The appointment of Ashish Bharti and Swapna Gautam Meshram as DIGs in the CRPF marks a significant step in their policing careers, allowing them to contribute to national security and counter-insurgency operations at the central level. Both officers bring a blend of district-level operational experience and administrative expertise, making them well-suited for their new roles.
