Odisha’s IPS Officer Sagarika Nath Appointed as SP in NIA.

2016-batch IPS officer Sagarika Nath, known for her youth-centric policing and innovative community programs in Odisha, has been appointed as Superintendent of Police (SP) in the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The Ministry of Home Affairs cleared her central deputation and directed her immediate release from her present posting in Khordha.Hailing from Dhenkanal, Nath is an alumnus of CET Bhubaneswar, where she completed her B.Tech in Electrical Engineering.

She secured AIR 199 in UPSC Civil Services 2015, joining the Odisha cadre of the IPS.During her tenure, Nath has introduced several pathbreaking initiatives such as Project Sampark in Khordha, a two-pronged mission against youth drug abuse, combining enforcement with mental health support and awareness drives.

Project Durga in Sundargarh, empowering adolescent girls with self-defense, counseling, and safety networks.Launch of Odisha’s first Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) with video analytics and facial recognition.

The “Chota Cop” program, which involved schoolchildren in promoting traffic discipline.Her leadership also drew attention during her stint as SP Balasore, where she handled cybercrime cases.

Her handling of the Bahanaga rail tragedy in Balasore and her work in cybercrime policing have also been widely appreciated. She was honoured for her “Exemplary Response to the Odisha Train Tragedy”, where her leadership, swift coordination, and compassionate approach greatly contributed to rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in Balasore following the catastrophic accident in June 2023.

Colleagues describe her policing style as a blend of firm enforcement and empathetic outreach, building community trust while addressing critical social issues.With her new assignment in the NIA, India’s premier counter-terrorism agency, Nath is expected to bring her experience in technology-driven policing, community engagement, and strategic enforcement to the national stage.

Known for her blend of firm action and empathetic outreach, Sagarika Nath’s move to the NIA is seen as recognition of her impactful work in Odisha. She is expected to contribute significantly to national security and counter-terrorism efforts.